AAL3 passkey private beta for iOS devices

Passkeys allow authentication without passwords.

They work by using biometrics or a device's screen lock passcode. Most users simply tap with their fingerprint or look at their device’s camera to authenticate.

As an option for CIS2 Authentication, passkeys enable health and care professionals to log in with fewer steps and can reduce context-switching.

Installing the app

Make sure you've registered for the beta with the Care Identity team. You'll have received a link to download the app, which is not currently available in the public store.

The beta uses TestFlight to manage the app, so you'll need to install the TestFlight app before installing the CIS2 passkey app. You'll also be able to feed back information via TestFlight to the development team. Using your iOS device, download TestFlight here.

Opening the CIS2 app for the first time will trigger the setup journey. You'll first see some developer notes, then be asked to enable autofill to allow the app to handle passkeys. Select 'Enable AutoFill'.

You'll be asked to accept the app's terms and conditions. Please note the content for the terms and conditions does not yet display in the app, but you must select 'Accept Terms & Conditions' to proceed.

You'll then be asked to confirm you'll allow the app to use Face ID. Select 'Allow'.

Note: if this fails you can manually enable the app in the system settings under General > Autofill & Passwords.

You'll then see the app's main screen, with no passkeys shown.

Registering the passkey

This guidance explains how a Registration Authority user can register the passkey on another user's Care ID. To register the passkey on your own profile as a non-Registration Authority user, follow the guidance on how to self-register the CIS2 Authentication passkey app.

You'll need to set up a meeting with your user, either via video or face-to-face. The passkey registration must be completed in your presence.

They will need to have Bluetooth enabled on their device.

From the Care Identity Management home page, choose 'Find an existing user'.

Enter the user's details and select 'Search'.

Choose 'View profile' on the right of the screen.

Go to the 'Authenticators' tab on the user's profile page and select 'Issue other authenticator'.

On the 'Select authenticator type' screen, select 'CIS2 Auth Passkey App (iOS)' and 'Continue'.

Note: if the option does not appear, it's likely that the user already has the CIS2 Authentication iOS passkey registered to their Care ID.

You'll now see a screen with instructions on how to register the passkey.

When you've read the instructions and are both ready to proceed, select 'Generate link'.

Copy the link and send it to the user by email, or paste it into the chat function of the video call software you are using.

When the user opens the link, they'll go through a series of registration steps on their device.

The device will ask them to confirm their identity. Select 'Continue'.

iOS confirms it's them and continues registration.

When the device is registered you'll see a co nfirmation screen.

When the device has been registered you should be able to see it listed as active on the user's profile page in Care Identity Management.

The user will also see the passkey listed in the app on their device.

Once the device is registered, to authenticate the user should navigate to the service they're looking to access, and from the list of login methods select 'Windows Hello'.

The user will then be prompted to either select a device, or if opened on your mobile device presented with a list of passkeys. They should choose the passkey listed as 'CIS2 Auth Credential Provider'.

They can then authenticate using their chosen method of fingerprint or PIN.