Western - Set Up Secure Connect - Biometric Login

Cornell is moving towards having staff use Secure Connect passkeys (biometrics) as an alternative to passwords, to better protect the many sensitive systems used at the university.   Instead of using your NetID password with two-step authentication to access a web-based service, with Secure Connect you will have the ability to use fingerprint or facial recognition. 

It's another way to reduce the chances that someone can steal data or change your personal information on Cornell’s systems.  Passkeys and Cybersecurity | IT@Cornell

To get started, Windows Hello and Beyond Identity will need to be configured using the steps outlined below.

  • Windows Hello: A built-in feature that allows users to sign in to their Windows devices using facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN.
  • Beyond Identity: The software app used by Cornell's Secure Connect to enable staff to log into Cornell sites, such as Workday.

 

 

Compatible Biometric Hardware

  • Dell Web Conferencing Monitors - Any Dell web conferencing monitor bought after 2018 has built-in facial recognition webcam
    • Note: If not recognized by Windows Hello, send in a helpdesk ticket for needed driver updates.
  • Dell Laptop Webcams - Any CCE laptop purchased in 2025 has built-in facial recognition on webcam
  • Dell Laptop fingerprint readers - Any CCE laptop purchased after 7/2023 has a Dell built-in fingerprint reader
  • External USB fingerprint readers - Associations can purchase external fingerprint readers
    (works with both Windows and CUWebLogin)

 

Known Issues

  • Internal fingerprint readers on Dell laptops work with Windows but can be problematic with BeyondIdentity and CUWebLogin. 
    • Beyond Identity is more problematic with fingerprint than facial recognition.  Try fingerprint again or switch to using facial recognition, if available.
    • If fingerprint is consistently not working for you, send in a help desk ticket:  https://westernhelpdesk.cce.cornell.edu 
       
  • Cannot log into CUWebLogin with biometrics when the laptop lid is closed, even external webcams and fingerprint readers.  BeyondIdentity app shows an error.
    • Work around:  Keep the laptop lid slightly open.

 

 

More Information: Secure Connect Help | IT@Cornell