To strengthen security, all HMS community members must set up the Okta Verify app and turn on FastPass for their HMS and HarvardKey accounts. Complete setup on every device you use for HMS or Harvard work — your mobile device, Harvard-managed computer, and any personal devices. This will be required to maintain access to HMS and Harvard systems.
Set up Okta Verify and enable FastPass.
Why FastPass matters
Okta FastPass replaces the password-and-push-notification step when you sign in. It uses a secure key stored on your device, combined with biometrics or a PIN, to verify your identity. Because authentication is tied to your specific device, it cannot be intercepted or replayed, even on a convincing fake sign-in page.
FastPass also speeds up daily sign-ins. Instead of typing a password and approving a push notification, you authenticate with a single biometric or PIN on the device you already use. The same Okta Verify app works for both HarvardKey and your HMS account.
How to set up Okta Verify with FastPass
Set up Okta Verify and enable FastPass on each device you use for HMS or Harvard work. For step-by-step instructions, see our setup documentation.
On your phone
Download the Okta Verify app and add your HMS and HarvardKey accounts. Enable FastPass during setup. If you already use Okta Verify on your phone, follow the documentation to enable FastPass on an existing account.
On your Harvard-managed computer
Open the Okta Verify app, which should already be installed, and add your HMS and HarvardKey accounts. Enable FastPass during setup. On a Mac, find Okta Verify in the menu bar.
If you already use Okta Verify on your computer, follow the documentation to enable FastPass on an existing account.
On personal devices used for Harvard work
Download the Okta Verify app on each personal computer or mobile device you use for Harvard work. Add your HMS and HarvardKey accounts and enable FastPass during setup.
Confirm Okta Verify is set up correctly
If you have already completed setup, use these steps to confirm.
On a computer
- Open the Okta Verify app.
- Confirm that two accounts appear: one for login.harvard.edu and one for login.hms.harvard.edu. Add either account if it is missing.
- Select one of the accounts.
- Confirm Touch ID or password confirmation (Mac) or Windows Hello confirmation (Windows) is turned on. Turn it on and follow the prompts if it is off.
- Repeat for the other account.
On a mobile device
- Open the Okta Verify app.
- Confirm that two accounts appear: one for login.harvard.edu and one for login.hms.harvard.edu. Add either account if it is missing.
- Tap the right-pointing arrow next to one account to open Account Details.
- On iPhone, confirm Face ID or Passcode Confirmation is turned on. On Android, confirm a green checkmark appears next to Okta FastPass. Follow the prompts to set it up if it is off.
- Repeat for the other account.
Get help
If you need help with setup, attend HMS IT Office Hours on Zoom:
- Every Tuesday, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM EDT (UTC-4) — Register for a Tuesday session
- Every Thursday, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM EDT (UTC-4) — Register for a Thursday session
You can also review the HMS IT slide deck on FastPass and the pre-recorded FastPass walkthrough for guided steps.
If you have questions, contact HMS IT Support by phone at 617-432-2000 or by email at itservicedesk@hms.harvard.edu.