Being sensible when it comes to passwords is important, and a crucial step to securing your online life.
However, some of your online accounts — for example, your Google Account or Dropbox — might be so important and contain such a wealth of information that you might want to take additional steps to protect them. There’s no better way to secure your online accounts than to use hardware-based two-factor authentication (2FA).
Security keys are easy to use, put an end to phishing attacks, cheap, and are less hassle and much more secure than SMS-based two-factor authentication. And the good news these days is that you can get security keys in a variety of formats: USB-A and USB-C, Lightning for iPhone users, and even keys that use Bluetooth.
So, let’s take a look at the best security keys currently available.
Biometric authentication built right into a security key
The YubiKey Bio features biometric authentication built right into a security key! It uses a three-chip architecture that stores the biometric fingerprint in a separate secure element, offering protection from physical attacks.
This, according to Yubico, allows the YubiKey Bio to “act as a single, trusted hardware-backed root of trust which allows the user to authenticate with the same key across multiple desktop devices, operating systems, and applications.”
For when biometrics are not supported, users can enter a PIN entered during the initial setup.
The YubiKey Bio supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, U2F and comes in USB-A and USB-C form factors.
All-rounder for the modern system
Now that USB-C is becoming the standard on laptops, desktops, and Android smartphones, it made sense for Yubico to bring USB-C and NFC together into a single key.
The YubiKey 5C NFC is FIDO-certified and works with Google Chrome and any FIDO-compliant application on Windows, Mac OS, or Linux. Secure your login and protect your Gmail, Facebook, Dropbox, Outlook, LastPass, Dashlane, 1Password, accounts, and more.
YubiKey USB authenticator includes NFC and has multi-protocol support including FIDO2, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, Smart card (PIV), OpenPGP, and Challenge-Response capability to give you strong hardware-based authentication.
Probably the best all-round security key
Brings together the ubiquity of USB-A with the versatility of wireless NFC, which gives it broad compatibility across a wide range of devices. The FIDO certification means it works with Google Chrome and any FIDO-compliant application on Windows, MacOS, or Linux, and the NFC makes it compatible with iOS and Android devices.
The YubiKey 5 NFC is FIDO certified and works with Google Chrome and any FIDO-compliant application on Windows, MacOS, or Linux. YubiKey USB authenticator includes NFC and has multi-protocol support including FIDO2, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, Smart card (PIV), OpenPGP, and Challenge-Response capability to give you strong hardware-based authentication.
USB-C one side, iPhone Lightning on the other
Got an iPhone? This key is for you. All the goodness of a YubiKey, but with the convenience of a Lightning connector.Not cheap compared to the USB-C and USB-A versions with NFC, but it’s a nice touch for iPhone users.
This is a 2FA security key built around a USB-C plug. If you’re using mostly Macs or modern laptops and desktops, this is a great choice. Also a good choice for those using Android devices.
The YubiKey 5C is FIDO certified and works with Google Chrome and any FIDO-compliant application on Windows, MacOS, or Linux. The YubiKey USB authenticator has multi-protocol support including FIDO2, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, Smart card (PIV), OpenPGP, and Challenge-Response capability to give you strong hardware-based authentication.
The tiniest YubiKey available! No bigger than a fingernail, and it fits discreetly into a USB-A port.
The YubiKey 5 Nano is FIDO certified and works with Google Chrome and any FIDO-compliant application on Windows, MacOS, or Linux. The YubiKey USB authenticator has multi-protocol support including FIDO2, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, Smart card (PIV), OpenPGP, and Challenge-Response capability to give you strong hardware-based authentication.
A security key that looks like a flash drive
FIDO2 key is backward-compatible with U2F protocol and works with the newest Chrome browser with operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, or Linux. U2F can be supported and protected on all websites that follow U2F protocols.
Designed with a 360-degree rotating metal cover that shields the USB connector when not in use. Also, crafted from a durable aluminum alloy to protect the Key from drops, bumps, and scratches.
A very reasonably priced security key.
Google offers a range of keys at a decent price
Titan Security Keys include special firmware engineered by Google to verify the key’s integrity and are built on FIDO open standards, so you can use them with many apps and services.
Google offers a range of keys:
Convenience of using your fingerprint unlock devices
Fingerprint reader with advanced fingerprint technology combines superior biometric performance and 360-degree readability as well as anti-spoofing protection.
Login on your Windows computer using Microsoft’s built-in Windows Hello login feature with just your fingerprint. No need to remember usernames and passwords. It can be used with up to 10 different fingerprints, so multiple users can log in to the same computer.
Because the Kensington Verimark Fingerprint Key is FIDO U2F Certified, your fingerprint can protect your cloud-based accounts such as Google, Dropbox, GitHub, and Facebook with FIDO second-factor authentication.
FAQ
Q: Why are security keys better than SMS-based 2FA?
SMS is open to SIM hijacking, while a physical key cannot be copied or the data intercepted.
Q: How many keys do I need?
I recommend having at least two — one that you sue, one as a backup.
Q: Is there one security key that does everything?
This depends on your setup and use. I find that I can manage with my YubiKey 5Ci for most of the time, but I do have a USB-C and USB-A YubiKey Series 5 keys as backups.
Q: How reliable are security keys?
Very reliable. I’ve been using them for years, and I’ve never had one break in use (and they’ve been subjected to heat, water, sea water, and being roughed about a lot).
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