-
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.
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.
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.
Works with your favorite applications and services
The safest way to secure your accounts.
Why Legacy MFA doesn’t work
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.
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-resistanceStop phishing and prevent ransomware with modern MFA based on modern FIDO/WebAuthn authentication protocols.
Recommended account protection bundles
Two YubiKey 5 NFCs
Two YubiKey 5C NFCs
Yubico recommends a spare key – Why is a spare key so important?
New to cybersecurity? Check out these resources.
Security industry keywords, acronyms and technical terms
Authentication standards make the internet safer for everybody
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.
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.