Which security key or passkey methods are right for me?

    Tryst.link takes your account security very seriously. For this reason, we require our advertisers to use 2-step login. To log in, you need to use your password AND another method (such as a code from an authenticator app, a security key, or a passkey) to prove who you are before you get access to your account.

    Tryst.link allows you to set up multiple security keys or passkeys for use with your account. This article will help you choose the combination of security key or passkeys that suit you best.

    Things you should know first...

    Here are a few things you should know before we go any further:

    • How security keys/passkeys work will vary depending on the device, operating system, and browser that you’re using. Remember to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or speak with their Support service.
    • Using older devices (such as older smartphones, or computers running outdated operating systems) isn’t recommended. Often, security keys and passkeys are only compatible with up-to-date systems. The same applies to older browsers, or ones that haven’t been updated lately - you may run into problems setting up a security key/passkey, or be limited in the methods you can choose.
    • If you’ve read this article and you’re still not sure what to do, we recommend that you use an authentication app instead.
    • Remember, you don’t have to choose just one option. We recommend setting up more than one 2-step login method, such as an authenticator app AND a security key/passkey. You can also set up as many security keys or passkeys as you need, to ensure you can log into your Tryst.link account on all of your devices.

    “What is a security key and why would I use one?”

    A physical security key is a piece of hardware, such as a USB stick or NFC chip, that can be used to authenticate you during 2-step login. The item needs to be either plugged into the device you’re using to access your account, or placed nearby, depending on the option you choose.

    Common types of security keys include:

    Advantages:

    • It’s very secure. To access your account, a hacker will need not only your password, but must also get their hands on the actual USB or NFC device.
    • You can set up more than one security key. For example, you might keep a USB on a keychain to carry with you, while another is stored securely at home.

    Disadvantages:

    • If you lose the actual piece of hardware, you will need to have set up a backup method, otherwise you won't be able to log into your account
    • Not all security keys work with all devices.  You might need to set up different security keys or passkeys to access your account on different smartphones, tablets, or computers.

    Tips for using security keys:

    • Set up more than one security key so that you have multiple options for logging in.
    • Consider also setting up an authenticator app as a back-up option for logging in.

    “What is a passkey and why would I use one?”

    A passkey is a way to authenticate yourself during 2-step login using the security features built in to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. There are many different passkey methods, and they vary depending on the device you’re using to log in to your Tryst.link account. Some passkey methods are biometric - they use your face or body data (such as your face, retina, or fingerprint) to verify you.

    Common types of passkeys include:

    Advantages:

    • It’s very secure.  It’s difficult for a hacker to impersonate you, because they don’t have access to your biometric data.
    • You can set up more than one security key. For example, you might keep a USB on a keychain to carry with you, while another is stored securely at home.

    Disadvantages:

    • If your passkey method is connected to one specific device (such as your phone), you might not be able to log in on other devices using that method.
    •  If you upgrade or lose your device, and your passkey isn’t synced with an account such as Google or Apple iCloud, you might not be able to log in.

    Tips for using passkeys:

    •  Choose a method that will sync to other devices (or new devices).
    • Check whether your browser supports using your passkey on your phone, via scanning a QR code.
    • Set up more than one passkey (on both your smartphone and computer, for example) so that you have multiple options for logging in.
    • Consider also setting up an authenticator app as a back-up option for logging in.
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