Extra Step To Lock Down Your Data with a Security Key

If you’ve ever had your email account or social media account hacked, you know how annoying it can be. When you or someone else tries to access your account, two-factor authentication helps by sending a code to your phone number or email address. By all means, this works well to add extra protection, but the best way to protect your accounts is with a physical security key.

Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC

Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC

When a firm (Yubico) is one of the creators of an authentication standard that is utilized by other security keys, you know the company’s security keys are pretty good. You won’t find a more secure security key than the YubiKey 5 NFC. It connects to your devices through USB-A or NFC Bluetooth and is compact, lightweight, and sturdy (almost crush-proof). It supports a wide range of security standards, including FIDO U2F, FIDO 2, OTP, and others, allowing you to use it across many platforms, browsers, and devices, and it even includes a keyhole ring to attach to your keys.

FIDO U2F Security Key

FIDO U2F Security Key

This is a wonderful alternative for two reasons: it’s cheap compared to other security keys, and the FIDO UF2 standard ensures secure access when using Chrome on both Mac and PC. The disadvantage is that it only supports FIDO UF2 and does not support Bluetooth. You’ll also need to hunt for another choice if you have a newer computer, such as a new MacBook or Dell XPS. However, if you want to save a little money while still getting extra security for Chrome, this is a decent option.

Google Titan Security

Google Titan Security

Thanks to FIDO open standards, this security key is available in both USB-A and USB-C versions, providing excellent protection for email and a wide range of other services and apps. Thanks to NFC, the Google key works with both Mac and PC, as well as Android and iOS devices. When you combine this security key with Google’s Advanced Protection Program (APP), your Google account is effectively locked in a vault to which only you have access.

Yubico Security Key

Yubico Security Key

If you can’t justify paying $45 on the Yubico YubiKey 5, you can save half the money by opting for the Yubico Security Key, which is nearly identical. What’s the catch, exactly? It just supports FIDO protocols, which should be sufficient for most users. Aside from that, it’s essentially the same security key. There’s even a keyhole so you can store it with your keys. It’s also simple to use: just plug it into a USB-A port on your computer and tap the gold circle.

OnlyKey

OnlyKey

When you want to secure your data like it’s in Fort Knox, CryptoTrust OnlyKey provides a variety of authentication options. To construct a physical passcode, for example, each of the six buttons can be pressed short or long. After that, you can create a three-step authentication system using a PIN number or password. Multiply that set of operations by 24 to get the number of passwords and usernames it can keep. One key can effectively act as the ultimate security door for a whole team.

YUBICO YUBIKEY 5CI

YUBICO YUBIKEY 5CI

This security key features a USB-C and lightning connector and is compatible with iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. When it comes to applications or services like Facebook, Gmail, Dropbox, or Outlook, to name a few, it’s a smart choice for further protection. It supports all of the security protocols you’d expect from a Yubico security key. The only drawback is that it’s the priciest security key we’ve seen.

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