How to Log In to WRDS Using macOS Touch ID

All WRDS logins require the use of Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). In How to Log in to WRDS using Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), we cover using your smartphone -- via either Duo Mobile, text messages, or a landline -- in order to approve the MFA prompt during your login.

Alternatively, if you have a macOS computer that supports Touch ID or Face ID, you can set up one of these to be able to receive MFA prompts directly. Follow the steps below to learn how to configure and use Touch ID with Duo to log in to WRDS.

If you are using a Windows computer, see How to Log in to WRDS Using Windows Hello instead.

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In order to use Touch ID with Duo to log in to WRDS, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be using macOS 11 or later
• Your macOS hardware must have Touch ID or Face ID capabilities.
  • Most recent macOS computers feature a Touch ID sensor on the power button at the top-right of your laptop keyboard, or external Apple-branded keyboard.
  • You can also use your macOS computer's built-in or external webcam for Face ID.
• You must have configured Touch ID or Face ID on your macOS computer in advance of following these instructions. Follow Apple's Use Touch ID on Mac for detailed instructions.
• You must have iCloud keychain sync enabled on the device you want to use in order to use this feature. For more information, see Set up iCloud Keychain.
• You must be using a supported browser, such as Google Chrome 70 or later.

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First, trigger the Add a Device menu, via Duo, in one of the following ways:

• If this is your first time setting up Duo MFA with WRDS, you will be shown this menu by default the first time you go to set up MFA. Log in to the WRDS website on your macOS computer to begin the process, follow the instructions shown on screen and then sent to you via Email, then select Touch ID from the menu shown. Full details on this initial MFA onboarding process can be found here.

• If you have already set up MFA before, select from one of the following:
  • Log into WRDS from an unremembered device, such as the Chrome browser on your macOS computer if you haven't logged in to WRDS from that computer before. On the Duo prompt that appears in your web browser when you log in to WRDS, click Other options at the bottom, then select Manage Devices. Select an existing way to pass MFA (usually Duo Mobile), respond to the resulting prompt to authorize the change, then select Add a Device and choose Touch ID from the list.
  • Log into WRDS from incognito mode in a browser on your macOS computer if you have logged in to WRDS from that computer before. On the Duo prompt that appears in your web browser when you log in to WRDS, click Other options at the bottom, then select Manage Devices. Select an existing way to pass MFA (usually Duo Mobile), respond to the resulting prompt to authorize the change, then select Add a Device and choose Touch ID from the list.
  • If neither of the above options work for you, please contact WRDS Support and ask for help setting up a new Touch ID device.

• Read the prompt, then click Continue on the next screen.

• You will be shown a confirmation prompt asking you to verify your identity. Use your Touch ID sensor to provide your fingerprint (or point your face at your Face ID camera). Don't click Use password or you'll effectively skip this setup.

• Then, in the next screen, click Continue to finish setup.

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You can now use Touch ID / Face ID to approve your log ins to WRDS.

• You can use Touch ID / Face ID with all WRDS login methods, including the WRDS website, the WRDS Cloud via SSH, and the WRDS PostgreSQL database.
• You can switch back and forth between Duo MFA methods using the Manage Devices screen, such as to go back to using Duo Mobile if away from your macOS computer.

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You can also use your iPhone or iPad with Duo MFA at WRDS, as long as it supports Face ID or Touch ID.

For detailed instructions on setting up Duo to use Face ID or Touch ID, see Duo's Face ID / Touch ID on iPhone or iPad.

For instructions on setting up Face ID or Touch ID itself, first:

• Use Face ID on your iPhone or iPad Pro
• Use Touch ID on iPhone and iPad

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I need help getting Touch ID configured

See Apple's Touch ID documentation for more details and troubleshooting steps.

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