Yubico

Yubico

By Professor Sterling Haynes

Looking for additional ways to keep your data secure? Yubico is here to help.

Yubico is a global cybersecurity pioneer dedicated to making the digital world safer for everyone. A leader in authentication since 2007, Yubico co-created global standards like FIDO2, WebAuthn, and FIDO U2F, and introduced the foundational technology behind the modern passkey. There global footprint includes headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Silicon Valley, California, and Singapore.

As the creator of the YubiKey, Yubico set the gold standard for phishing-resistant, hardware-backed authentication - virtually eliminating account takeovers while keeping secure login effortless.

YubiKeys

YubiKeys are physical security devices that look like USB flash drives. They require no software installation or battery. They function as a second authentication method to log into accounts. Online accounts are protected with a username and password. However, an additional device like a YubiKey can provide more support to stop hackers with advanced cyber techniques.

To prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, websites usually require you to sign in with a username and password. This process verifies who you are and is known as authentication.

Two Factor Authentication

Using only one factor such as a password to log in to your account is like having one lock on your account. Two-factor authentication is like using two locks on your account and is much more secure. Even if a hacker knows your username and password, they can’t log in to your account without the second credential or authentication factor.

Security keys like Yubikey use encryption to confirm that the key is associated with your account. They are used by plugging into a devices USB port. Other models use near-field communication to connect to the device when its held close by. Security keys are the strongest method of two-factor authentication because they don’t use credentials that hackers can steal.

YubiKey 5 Series

Yubico’s newest product is The YubiKey 5 Series. To use a YubiKey plug it into a USB port. Touch the button or tap-n-go using NFC models for secure authentication. The key may need to be registered to the desired account for activation. Having two keys is strongly recommended in case one gets lost. A primary key and backup key linked to the same account.

Passkeys

YubiKeys can also function as Passkeys. A passkey is a digital credential that lets users sign in to websites and apps securely without a password. They have been introduced by the FIDO Alliance as a way to accelerate passwordless for consumers and organizations alike. Passkeys can help users from suffering from password fatigue. Trying to remember dozens of passwords for accounts can lead to reusing passwords or making them weak to cyber-attack. Passkeys are now available on every major platform including Google, Apple, Microsoft and web browsers.

Yubico Innovation in Cybersecurity

Yubico is trusted by the world’s most security-conscious brands, and institutions. YubiKeys deliver fast, friction-free, passwordless access across hundreds of enterprise applications out of the box. True to its mission, Yubico also drives the Secure it Forward philanthropic initiative, donating YubiKeys to vulnerable communities and nonprofits globally.

Proud to be recognized as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. Today, Yubico passkey solutions secure businesses, governments, and individuals in more than 160 countries, safeguarding the entire digital identity lifecycle from onboarding to recovery. Learn more at www.yubico.com.

Resources

https://fidoalliance.org/passkeys/, https://consumer.ftc.gov/,

Katelyn Martin Global Communications Manager at Yubico

Cartoon Characters created by Sterling Haynes. Sterlinghaynes.com