Passkeys

More IT security for the university - passkeys are coming to JGU!

Universitys have been increasingly targeted by cyber-attacks in recent years. Phishing emails have been the main culprit. As a result: entire institutions have been completely compromised for months. The University of Mainz should also have protection against this in the future.

In order to significantly improve the protection of your data and your JGU account, ZDV is gradually introducing passkeys for browser-based applications and services at the university.

  1. What are Passkeys?
  2. Timetable & Changes
    1. Changed Login Interface
    2. Step by Step Introduction
    3. Changes to the JGU Account
  3. Courses
  4. More information (instructions and frequently asked questions)

What are Passkeys?

Official passkey icon
Official passkey icon

Passkeys are a simple and secure alternative to passwords. In the future, you will be able to create passkeys using your JGU account and use them to access university applications. Once you have created passkeys, you simply can select them when you log in to a JGU application.
Unlike passwords, you no longer have to remember a long string of characters.

In future, you can create passkeys for the following devices:

  • Work computer in the office
  • Private/Work laptop for remote working
  • USB security stick (JGU employees receive this from the ZDV)
  • Business/private smartphone

Advantages over passwords

Passkeys are more secure than passwords

  • Phishing methods that target the theft of login credentials no longer work. Login credentials can no longer be accidentally passed on to criminals.
  • It is no longer possible to use the same combinations of numbers and letters for different services/applications.
  • Password lists become unnecessary.
  • The passkey remains on the device you use for the passkey (e.g., on your smartphone). It is not shared with web services.
  • In the event of security breaches or suspected misuse, passkeys can be easily deleted and replaced with new ones.

Passkeys are user-friendly

  • Unlike passwords, you don't have to remember the generated character string yourself. This is done by your smartphone, USB security key, laptop, or computer.
  • A passkey only needs to be created once and can then be used again and again.
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Timetable & Changes

The Data Center is introducing passkeys at the university step by step.

  • In March 2025, we introduced passkeys for all JGU employees.
  • You have received a USB security key from your institution. If you do not yet have one, please ask your institution.
  • You need at least two passkeys.
  • Starting September 1, we will introduce mandatory login with passkeys for the following applications:
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Changed Login Interface

Official JGU login page
  • A selection option for the login appears:
    • Benutzername / Passwort (login name / password)
    • Passkey
  • Select Benutzername / Passwort and you can log in as usual with your JGU account login data.
  • In future, the option passkey will be used by those who have created a passkey and can use it.
  • The URL of the official JGU login page remains the same: login.uni-mainz.de
  • Examples of browser-based applications:
    • mail.uni-mainz.de
    • arbeitszeit.uni-mainz.de
    • personen.uni-mainz.de
    • rooms.uni-mainz.de
    • maps.uni-mainz.de

 

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Step by Step Introduction

Passkeys will be progressively introduced for applications and services.
In March/April 2025, all employees will be able to use passkeys.

The following account types are not yet able to use passkeys: Lecturer / guest researcher / research assistants / retired professors / students / PhD students without a contract.

 

 

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Changes to the JGU Account

As part of the introduction, the Account website has also been changed:

  • The left menu bar now only appears after log in.
  • The new function passkeys appears in the left menu bar.
  • If you click on passkeys, all passkeys you have created on the various devices will appear.

For security reasons, the account page account.uni-mainz.de is restricted to passkey usage after setting up your first passkey.

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Courses

Since August, we have been offering one course per quarter. You can find these in the university's continuing education program under the category IT and Digitalization. The next course will take place on August 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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More information (instructions and frequently asked questions)

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