Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (2024)

  • Stop phishing and guard your online accounts with YubiKey two-factor authentication.

    Home » Why Yubico » For individuals

    Meet the YubiKey

    Two-factor authentication (2FA) is critical to secure your accounts and services online. Keep your accounts protected with YubiKey security keys—industry proven, phishing-resistant security for your most important accounts and services.

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (1)

    What is a YubiKey

    The YubiKey is an easy to use extra layer of security for your online accounts. A single YubiKey has multiple functions for securing your login to email, online services, apps, computers, and even physical spaces.

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (2)

    The Key to Trust

    The highest level of phishing defense, yet easy to use, the YubiKey is your
    key to trust.

    Purpose built for security

    Login with your login credentials and the YubiKey to prevent account takeovers virtually.

    Multi-factor authentication

    Strong multi-factor authentication using a hardware authenticator and a PIN or biometrics.

    Why use a YubiKey

    Get strong security in minutes with the YubiKey, a hardware security key that provides phishing-resistant two-factor, and multi-factor authentication.

    Why Legacy MFA doesn’t work

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (4)
    Passwords are highly vulnerable

    Passwords are easy to create and steal. Stolen credentials allow malicious actors to impersonate a compromised user, but can also be used to gain additional credentials and information.

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (5)
    SMS and other mobile MFA is also susceptible to phishing

    SMS or mobile authentication is vulnerable to phishing. Phishing-resistant MFA is the modern and effective approach to keeping you and your data protected.

    Modern MFA delivers
    phishing-resistance

    Stop phishing and prevent ransomware with modern MFA based on modern FIDO/WebAuthn authentication protocols.

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (6)

    Recommended account protection bundles

    Yubico recommends a spare key – Why is a spare key so important?

    New to cybersecurity? Check out these resources.

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (10)

    Security industry keywords, acronyms and technical terms

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (11)

    Authentication standards make the internet safer for everybody

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (12)

    Securing your critical assets in an ever-changing regulatory environment

    Get Started

    You should select your YubiKey based on the services (i.e. websites and apps) and devices you want to use the Key with. Please see the resources below to help you decide on which YubiKey will be your best fit.

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (13)
    Not sure what to choose?

    Visit our knowledge base for more information.

    Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (14)
    Get protected today

    Browse our online store today and buy the right YubiKey for you.

As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of online security, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, particularly in the area of two-factor authentication (2FA) and the use of hardware security keys. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of modern authentication protocols, phishing-resistant mechanisms, and the practical applications of security solutions. Let's delve into the concepts embedded in the article on YubiKey two-factor authentication.

YubiKey: The Key to Trust

A YubiKey is a versatile and user-friendly security key designed to bolster the security of online accounts. It serves as an additional layer of protection for a range of digital spaces, including email, online services, applications, computers, and even physical locations. What sets the YubiKey apart is its multifunctionality, providing a seamless yet robust defense against phishing attempts and unauthorized access.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The YubiKey operates on the principle of multi-factor authentication, a cornerstone in securing online identities. By combining something you know (login credentials) with something you have (the YubiKey), it significantly reduces the risk of account takeovers. The YubiKey supports strong MFA by integrating a hardware authenticator with a PIN or biometric verification, ensuring a high level of security.

Phishing-Resistant Security

One of the key strengths of YubiKey is its resilience against phishing attacks. Unlike traditional passwords, which are susceptible to theft and misuse, the YubiKey provides a modern and effective defense mechanism. It aligns with FIDO (Fast Identity Online) and WebAuthn authentication protocols, offering robust protection against phishing attempts and preventing ransomware attacks.

Weaknesses of Legacy MFA

The article highlights the vulnerabilities associated with traditional multi-factor authentication methods, particularly emphasizing the weaknesses of passwords and SMS-based authentication. Passwords are deemed highly vulnerable, easily created, and susceptible to theft. SMS or mobile authentication, on the other hand, is exposed to phishing attacks. YubiKey addresses these shortcomings by providing a more secure alternative.

Choosing the Right YubiKey

The selection of a YubiKey is tailored to individual needs. Users are encouraged to choose a YubiKey based on the specific services, websites, and devices they intend to secure. The article provides recommendations for account protection bundles, suggesting options like the YubiKey 5 NFC or 5C NFC, and emphasizes the importance of having a spare key for added security.

In conclusion, the YubiKey stands out as a reliable and user-friendly solution for enhancing online security. It not only addresses the shortcomings of legacy authentication methods but also offers a practical and efficient way to safeguard critical online assets. If you're new to cybersecurity or uncertain about your choice, the article encourages users to explore the provided resources, including a knowledge base, glossary, and FAQ, to make informed decisions about selecting the right YubiKey for their specific requirements.

Fast and Simple Two-Factor Authentication | YubiKey (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Eusebia Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6480

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Eusebia Nader

Birthday: 1994-11-11

Address: Apt. 721 977 Ebert Meadows, Jereville, GA 73618-6603

Phone: +2316203969400

Job: International Farming Consultant

Hobby: Reading, Photography, Shooting, Singing, Magic, Kayaking, Mushroom hunting

Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.