Multifactor Authentication FAQs

Biometric Device

A biometric device uses unique, physical traits to verify your identity. ERIE will offer fingerprint scanning and facial recognition as options.

Passkey

A passkey uses a unique pin of your choosing to verify your identity. Passkeys only work with the device that is registered.

Why are biometric devices and passkeys considered the most secure MFA method?

Biometric devices and passkeys are considered the most secure MFA method because they are unique, tied to your physical device, and not stored on vulnerable servers.

What it is:

An authenticator app is an app downloaded to a physical device of your choice that generates a short-lived login code.

How it works:

• After you download and pair the authenticator app to your Online Account or Mobile App, the authenticator app and ERIE will share a secret key.
• The authenticator app uses that key, plus the current time, to generate a new 6-digit code every 30 seconds.
• When you log in, you will enter the code from the app in addition to your password.
• The service verifies that the code matches what it expects at the exact time.

Which authenticator app should I download?

Erie Insurance does not have a preference for a specific authenticator app – any trusted option will work. Some commonly used authenticator apps include, but are not limited to: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, and Duo Mobile.

How do I pair my authenticator app to my device?

When setting up an authenticator app, you will be given two options: A QR code or a parking key.

• If you are setting up the authenticator app on a web browser, the QR code is usually the easiest option. Simply open the authenticator app on a cell phone, scan the QR code with the camera, and the app will automatically sync.
• If you are setting up the authenticator app on a mobile device, the pairing key is the better option. Just copy the key, then paste it into the authenticator app when prompted.

Once you have successfully set up multifactor authentication, you can manage your multifactor authentication methods on your Online Account and Mobile App under the Login & Security tab, found in Settings.

After clicking “manage multifactor preferences,” you will be redirected to the “Your Multifactor Authentication Methods” screen where you can make the necessary revisions.

For your security, you will need to successfully set up at least one multifactor authentication method before you can access your Online Account or Mobile App. If you start the setup process but don’t finish it, you’ll need to restart the setup process the next time you log in.