What is Yubikey, do I need Yubikey? - Antive Security (2024)

What does a YubiKey do?

What Is It? The YubiKey—like other, similar devices—is a small metal and plastic key about the size of a USB stick.They plug into your computer, and some also connect to your phone. You can use them in either place, along with your password, to authenticate web logins

What is Yubikey, do I need Yubikey? - Antive Security (1)

What is a YubiKey and how does it work?
The YubiKey is a device that makes two-factor authentication as simple as possible. Instead of a code being texted to you, or generated by an app on your phone, you press a button on your YubiKey. That’s it. Each device has a unique code built on to it, which is used to generate codes that help confirm your identity.

What is YubiKey on iPhone?
The YubiKey 5Ci allows for direct connection to iOS/iPadOS devices with a Lightning port. Some models that use this port include (but are not limited to) iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, and most modern iPads (not including the newest iPad Pro, which uses a USB-C port)

Is YubiKey safe?
Yes. Hardware-based 2FA security. The YubiKey 5 NFC ($45) is a thin but sturdy device that fits in a standard USB Type-A port and also supports NFC connections. … Primarily because hardware-based keys are significantly more secure than SMS- and software-based options.

How long does a YubiKey last?
The internals of the YubiKey’s security algorithms currently limits each key to 30+ years of usage. The Yubikey is powered by the USB port and therefore requires no battery and there is no display on it that can break. The key itself will survive years of daily use.

Does YubiKey need Internet?
Unlike other 2FA, YubiKeys store no data, no network connection, and don’t run on software.

What happens if someone steals your YubiKey?
YubiRevoke is a free revoke service. The service prevents potential misuse of YubiKeys in case they are lost or stolen, and we recommend customers create a YubiRevoke account and enroll their YubiKeys as soon as they are received.

Who uses YubiKey?
YubiKey also allows for storing static passwords for use at sites that do not support one-time passwords. Both Google and Facebook use YubiKey devices to secure employee accounts as well as end user accounts. Some password managers support YubiKey.

Are YubiKeys worth it?
The YubiKey 5 Series is worth the high price because it’s compatible with more services than other keys and adds nice-to-have extras. … None of the other keys we tested, including Yubico’s cheaper Security Keys, have this functionality.

Is YubiKey a password manager?
The solution: YubiKey + password manager. Using a password manager application is the best way to create and maintain unique and strong passwords for all your account logins, and protecting your password manager with a YubiKey is the most secure way to manage multiple digital credentials.

Can a YubiKey be copied?
For security, the firmware on the YubiKey does not allow for secrets to be read from the device after they have been written to the device. Therefore you cannot duplicate or back up a YubiKey or Security Key.

Is YubiKey NFC secure?
NFC-ENABLED: Also get touch-based authentication for NFC supported Android and iOS devices and applications. Just tap & go! DURABLE AND SECURE: Extremely secure and durable, YubiKeys are tamper resistant, water resistant, and crush resistant.

Does YubiKey work with banks?
Many Bank of America online banking users that have a YubiKey, can now register their security key for account sign-in two-factor authentication (2FA) as well as setting up the Secured Transfer feature to add an extra layer of physical security to their online account.

Does YubiKey store data?
Each function on the YubiKey can only accept and store data in the proper format for securely authenticating with the various supported validation protocols. All loaded information is stored in the secured EEPROM in the memory space allocated with the applications utilizing the data.

What can I use YubiKey for?
The YubiKey is a device that makes two-factor authentication as simple as possible. Instead of a code being texted to you, or generated by an app on your phone, you press a button on your YubiKey. That’s it. Each device has a unique code built on to it, which is used to generate codes that help confirm your identity.

Where can buy Yubikey in Malaysia?
In Malaysia and South East Asia region, you can buy Yubikey at Antive Security Group (https://antivegroup.com) at lowest price. We also have industrial leading security solutions for your organization.

You can also buy Yubikeys at our online store:

https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/antive/

https://shopee.com.my/antivegroup

Why should I use YubiKey?
A YubiKey is considered to be one of the most secure tools for two-factor authentication. The passcode can be used for sign-in, depositing or withdrawing funds from your account or as a Master Key.

Why is YubiKey expensive?
It is costly to design, mould, manufacture, sell and support a hardware product, even something as small as this. Since you don’t want your 2FA company to go out of business there is good value in knowing they have a stable business model that can actually support a company rather than just burning capital.

Can I use YubiKey for multiple accounts?
Can I use one YubiKey with multiple devices? Yes! Just plug your YubiKey into any computer and log in the way you normally would. That’s really it—you’ll be able to log in to all of your accounts, same as before.

What is Yubikey, do I need Yubikey? - Antive Security (2024)

FAQs

What is the point of a YubiKey? ›

A YubiKey is a security token that enables users to add a second authentication factor to online services from tier 1 vendor partners, including Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Salesforce. A YubiKey, which stands for ubiquitous key, looks like a USB thumb drive.

Is one YubiKey enough? ›

A Yubikey can be used for an unlimited number of accounts if you're using WebAuthn. You also have an unlimited number of accounts for U2F.

What are the pros and cons of YubiKey? ›

As with any piece of technology, the YubiKey comes with its pros and cons.
  • YubiKey Is Extremely Easy to Use. ...
  • YubiKey Delivers Extra Security to Almost Any Account—and Saves Time. ...
  • YubiKey Is Very Difficult to Hack. ...
  • Your YubiKey Cannot Get Infected. ...
  • YubiKey's Aren't Expensive. ...
  • YubiKey's Are Small, Lightweight, and Waterproof.
Jul 26, 2021

Can I use YubiKey for all my passwords? ›

The YubiKey works with Password Safe to protect your passwords using two-factor authentication (2FA). Both a master password and a YubiKey are needed to enable access to your Password Safe file, which contains the usernames, websites, passwords and other information for all of your online accounts.

What are the best uses for YubiKey? ›

Using a Microsoft account with a YubiKey gives you quick and easy access to services such as Outlook.com, Office, Skype, OneDrive, Xbox Live, Bing and more. Just tap your YubiKey and you're in. No password required.

How do I use YubiKey for everything? ›

Use any YubiKey feature, or use them all. The versatile YubiKey requires no software installation or battery so just plug it into a USB port and touch the button, or tap-n-go using NFC for secure authentication.

How many passwords does YubiKey hold? ›

OATH (Yubico Authenticator) - the YubiKey 5's OATH application can hold up to 32 OATH-TOTP credentials (AKA authenticator app codes).

How many YubiKeys should I have? ›

Q: How many spares should I get? A: Many of our customers actually purchase several spares for maximum security and peace of mind. This is not a bad idea when guarding extremely critical accounts. Starting off, you should be fine with 1-2 spare keys.

Does a YubiKey need to be plugged in all the time? ›

Do I need to keep my yubikey plugged in all the time? A. No, you only need to insert your yubikey when you are prompted to do so during login.

Is A YubiKey overkill? ›

If you're just looking for a simple hardware U2F option, the YubiKey 5 NFC is probably overkill—consider the more affordable Security Key by Yubico or the Google Titan Security Keys instead. But if you're already steeped in security wonkiness, you'll love what the 5 NFC has to offer.

What happens if someone steals your YubiKey? ›

If you lose your Yubikey, you can still use your phone authenticator app, but you cannot create a backup Yubikey. However, Yubikey also provides methods to recover your account, so you can get a replacement. An advantage to Yubikey is that it comes on a USB that cannot be identified.

What happens if you break your YubiKey? ›

Our product's quality is top of mind for us and if your YubiKey is damaged we ask that you submit a support ticket with the following information. The order number or copy of invoice from when you purchased the YubiKey. A valid shipping address in the event we send a replacement YubiKey to you.

Can someone copy my YubiKey? ›

For security, the firmware on the YubiKey does not allow for secrets to be read from the device after they have been written to the device. Therefore you cannot duplicate or back up a YubiKey or Security Key.

Can YubiKey replace a password manager? ›

The solution: YubiKey + password manager

Using a password manager application is the best way to create and maintain unique and strong passwords for all your account logins, and protecting your password manager with a YubiKey is the most secure way to manage multiple digital credentials.

What password manager uses YubiKey? ›

KeePass Works With YubiKey | Yubico. Only 46% of respondents protect their applications with MFA. How about you?

What is the difference between YubiKey and security key? ›

But the security protocol for the Security Key and the Yubikey 5 NFC are the same, so it's not that the other keys are “less secure”, it just means that they don't offer that additional layer of security. It's really the difference between 2FA and MFA.

Does YubiKey work on any computer? ›

The Yubico Authenticator app works across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Get the same set of codes across all Yubico Authenticator apps for desktops as well as for all leading mobile platforms.

How much does YubiKey cost? ›

Buying Options
Yubico Security Key NFC (USB-A/NFC)$25
Yubico Security Key C NFC (USB-C/NFC)$30
YubiKey 5 NFC (USB-A/NFC)$45
YubiKey 5C NFC (USB-C/NFC)$55
YubiKey 5Ci (USB-C/Lightning)$70
3 more rows
Jul 27, 2022

Do you have to touch YubiKey? ›

In short, when using the YubiKey as a Touch-Triggered OTP authenticator with a computer, the end user will always follow these steps: Plug the YubiKey directly into the computer. Place the text cursor in the field where an OTP needs to be entered. Touch the gold contact on the YubiKey.

Which YubiKey is most versatile? ›

The YubiKey 5C NFC packs all the advanced features of the YubiKey line into an affordable package that will work with all your desktop and mobile devices. It's the most versatile security key we've yet reviewed and our Editors' Choice.

What is the life time of YubiKey? ›

In other words, you can plug in the Yubikey three times a day for almost 60 years before running out of session counters. Note that you can generate a significant number of OTPs during each session (see below).

How long will a YubiKey last? ›

How long does a YubiKey last? The internals of the YubiKey's security algorithms currently limits each key to 30+ years of usage. The Yubikey is powered by the USB port and therefore requires no battery and there is no display on it that can break. The key itself will survive years of daily use.

What is the secret key for YubiKey? ›

Answer: The secret key aka AES key stored in the "yubikeys" table is actually the AES Key of your YubiKey. We hope this helps!

Why do I need two YubiKeys? ›

We at Yubico always recommend having more than one YubiKey. This way, one key can be used as a primary key, and the other can be used as a spare. Please note that for security reasons, the firmware of our products does not allow stored secrets to be read, meaning it is not possible to “clone” or "duplicate" a YubiKey.

Can I use the same YubiKey for multiple devices? ›

YubiKey allows customers to use the same key as the MFA device for multiple IAM and root users across AWS accounts.

Can you use the same YubiKey on multiple computers? ›

Yes! Just plug your YubiKey into any computer and log in the way you normally would. That's really it—you'll be able to log in to all of your accounts, same as before. You can use your YubiKey to log in on as many devices as you want, so long as there's a slot for it.

How much is YubiKey good for the Internet? ›

Collaborating with Yubico

Cloudflare customers can claim this offer for Yubico Security Keys directly in the Cloudflare dashboard. Yubico is providing Security Keys at “Good for the Internet” pricing - as low as $10 per key.

Does YubiKey use fingerprint? ›

Secure and convenient passwordless MFA login with the YubiKey Bio authenticator and biometric information using a fingerprint, with a PIN as a fallback.

Is YubiKey better than Google Authenticator? ›

Authenticator apps provide a layer of security and are a convenient option for use by many, but they are still vulnerable to phishing due to the 30-second window. Security keys, like the YubiKey, are considered to be both more convenient and more secure.

Does YubiKey store private keys? ›

Owners can secure private keys with the YubiKey by importing them or, better yet, generating the private key directly on the YubiKey. Private keys cannot be exported or extracted from the YubiKey. The YubiKey supports various methods to enable hardware-backed SSH authentication.

Can you store things on a YubiKey? ›

The YubiKey is designed to be a user authentication or identification device. The applications on the YubiKey hardware are limited to contain only authentication secrets and keys either generated internally or loaded by users; none of the functions on a YubiKey are designed for mass storage of data.

How do I know if my YubiKey is real? ›

Compatible devices

Insert your Yubico device, and click Verify Device to begin the process. Touch the YubiKey when prompted, and if asked, allow it to see the make and model of the device. If you see "Verification complete", your device is authentic.

Does YubiKey prevent phishing? ›

The YubiKey uses FIDO2 and PIV to offer phishing resistance at scale supported by all leading browsers and platforms, and hundreds of IAM and cloud services. One of the most highly recommended techniques by security experts for fighting phishing attacks, is a hardware security key.

Is YubiKey still used? ›

Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Twitter, and Facebook use YubiKey devices to secure employee accounts as well as end user accounts. Some password managers support YubiKey. Yubico also manufactures the Security Key, a similar lower cost device with only FIDO2/WebAuthn and FIDO/U2F support.

What is YubiKey alternative? ›

Top Yubico YubiKey Alternatives

(All Time) Microsoft Azure Active Directory. Okta Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication. Imprivata OneSign.

Why YubiKey is more secure? ›

The YubiKey sends a unique code that the service can use to confirm your identity. This is more secure, because the codes are much longer, and more convenient, because you don't have to type out the codes yourself. There's a lot more nuance than this, of course.

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