

It is lightweight and easy to carry around with your keychain, just like a regular flash drive.Īuthentication apps, email, and SMS all require you to open them and copy a code, which is then manually entered. You have another layer of protection on your password manager without a heavy extra burden. When used together with a password manager YubiKey makes your accounts more secure with minimal effort. The YubiKey can change the whole way you use passwords. Why You Should Use A YubiKey Convenient Security The application will automatically recognize your key and let you access your vaults.Ī tap is all you need. That is it – no need to manually enter a 2FA code from SMS, email, or an authentication program.

Then touch the key’s gold button when your password manager asks for it. You can plug it into your computer (through a USB-A, USB-C, or Lighting port) or connect it wirelessly to an NFC-supported smartphone. This process differs from application to application, but you are likely to find this password manager YubiKey setup in the security settings.Ī typical login needs you to insert this registered YubiKey.

How Does YubiKey Work?Įach YubiKey is unique and required to pair with the account you want to secure first. If you has a password manager YubiKey setup, you can secure both access to your vault and the accounts saved in it. Popular sites that support the YubiKey (or similar devices) include Google, Dropbox, Microsoft, Facebook, and Twitter. The YubiKey supports both multi-factor (one-time passwords) and passwordless ( FIDO2) authentication standards. When activated, you can use a YubiKey to unlock your Windows or macOS computer or log in to a slew of applications and online services. Each of them has a different shape and set of implemented standards. Yubico has put out several YubiKey models. They only work with compatible services, which must support one of the protocols built in each key. There are several models in the YubiKey family.
