What is Yubikey? This term is known as the leading safe and effective security support technology today. This technology is mainly used to protect private accounts in computers or other service accounts. If you are curious about this security technology, you can learn more in the following article.
Learn a little about 2-factor authentication
Before we get into what Yubikey is, let’s take a quick look at 2-factor authentication:
What is 2-factor authentication?
Passwords have always been a difficult problem for everyone, whether they are too simple or too complex passwords, these passwords are likely to be leaked and exposed to the outside. To solve this problem, the 2-factor authentication method – 2FA was developed to add a layer of security outside of passwords and allow users to effectively control.
2FA will require you to need two factors to log in: your own password and a tool to prove you are the owner of that account. Most messaging applications such as Zalo, Facebook, and Google services currently support 2-factor authentication.
2-factor verification methods
Before learning what Yubikey is, you need to know the popular methods to receive 2-factor verification codes today including SMS codes and emails. When logging in, the system will usually ask to enter this code as the final step. This is the simplest way without needing to authenticate using software or auxiliary applications. However, this method has lower security because emails and messages can still be attacked.
Another method is to use third-party verification applications such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator. This allows you to receive authentication codes at any time, even without an Internet connection, and significantly increases security compared to email or SMS. However, having to open the app and enter the code manually can be inconvenient.
YubiKey is a third-party solution for 2FA technology. It is a hardware device that supports identity and password verification very quickly. To use YubiKey, users just need to plug the device into the computer and press a button. Then YubiKey will generate a unique code to verify the user’s identity. This process is fast and simple.
What is Yubikey?
YubiKey is a simple 2FA device for authentication. Widely used by many online services, applications, and computer systems, YubiKey requires users to simply press a button to complete the login process, instead of using SMS codes or authentication apps. Each YubiKey integrates a proprietary code that is used to generate authentication codes to verify the user’s identity.
Although YubiKey is not the only hardware 2FA device on the market, it is the most widely used. There are many other similar devices on the market today that provide higher security for user accounts.
What are the outstanding strengths of the Yubikey 2FA device?
Now that we’ve learned about YubiKey, let’s take a look at why YubiKey and similar 2FA devices are superior to other 2FA methods. Here are a few aspects:
- Convenience: Email, SMS, and other authentication methods require users to manually enter/copy the code. With the YubiKey device, you just press the device button and plug it into your computer to enter the code.
- Longer code: Other 2FA authentication methods only send a 6-digit code for you to verify your identity. The YubiKey device will not force you to enter the code manually, so you can use a longer code, thereby increasing security.
- Easy to move: Instead of having to retype the code when changing devices, with YubiKey, you just need to unplug the device from the old device and plug it into the new device. You can then conveniently log in to other applications, even log in to multiple computer devices.
- Hard to Hack: Hackers can break into your email or SMS, but not with a YubiKey. This hardware device generates hard-to-forge codes, making hacking difficult or nearly impossible.
These points show that YubiKey not only simplifies the authentication process but also significantly enhances security compared to other traditional 2FA methods.
How to set up a Yubikey device? Detailed instructions
Setting up a YubiKey device doesn’t require any complicated steps like setting up a 2FA app. If you’re using a YubiKey, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Plug the YubiKey device into your desktop or laptop computer.
- Step 2: Visit the “Yubico.com/setup” page and select the Yubikey device.
- Step 3: Browse the list of compatible apps and services to select the ones you want to secure with a YubiKey. This option will appear in the list next to the available apps.
- Step 4: Click the play icon next to the type of application you choose and follow the video instructions. Or you can click on the diagonal arrow in the box to see text instructions.
- Step 5: Yubico’s website provides a list of applications and services that support security with YubiKey. Within the scope of this article, let’s refer to the setup instructions for a Google account on your computer.
- Step 6: Click on the written instruction link and follow the instructions to add the YubiKey device to your Google Account.
- Step 7: Click Enroll to register your security key. Plug the YubiKey device into your computer’s USB port and press the button on the device.
- Step 8: Grant browsers access to your YubiKey when prompted.
- Step 9: You can also rename your YubiKey device, which is useful if you own multiple security keys.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Yubikey?
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of this 2FA authenticator:
Advantage
YubiKey has the following advantages that make many people and organizations choose and trust:
- Good price.
- Compact design, can be carried anywhere.
- Simply press a button on the YubiKey to unlock your account.
- Optimize time, no need to wait to receive OTP code via text message for authentication.
Defect
However, YubiKey also has a few limitations that users need to keep in mind when choosing and using:
- Still a physical device, so users have to spend money to buy it.
- Delivery times from abroad may take longer.
- To use with each type of device, users need to choose a compatible YubiKey.
- Due to its small size, Yubikey is easily dropped or lost.
What are the things you need to know when using Yubikey?
When using YubiKey, there are some important notes that users need to know to protect and use the device effectively:
- The YubiKey should be treated as a valuable item and kept away from places where it could be lost or stolen. If necessary, store the YubiKey in a safe place.
- The YubiKey is a personal device and should not be shared with anyone else. Sharing your YubiKey may compromise the security of your device and account.
- Please back up the necessary information and install YubiKey. If you use multiple YubiKeys, make sure you have spare YubiKeys for use in case of loss or damage.
- Before installing YubiKey to any account, be sure to check YubiKey’s functionality and compatibility with the service or application you want to protect.
- If you have problems or questions regarding your YubiKey, contact technical support from the manufacturer or supplier for assistance and answers.
- Distinguishing YubiKeys: If you use multiple YubiKeys, label them to differentiate them, especially if you use spare YubiKeys.
What are the frequently asked questions about Yubikey?
Here are some questions about this 2FA security device that you can refer to:
Where to use the YubiKey device?
YubiKey is not only for crypto applications but also widely applied in linking 2FA with most services and applications that support two-factor authentication.
Can I use multiple YubiKeys for one account?
That’s right, users are allowed to add multiple YubiKeys to one account. For example, on Binance, you can manage up to five Yubikeys at the same time.
What should I do if I lose my YubiKey device?
If you lose your YubiKey, don’t worry. For popular accounts like Google and Facebook, you can choose other verification methods like texting or email.
In addition, you can also use spare YubiKeys. Most accounts allow users to use an additional security key. So if you lose one of them, you still have your other spare YubiKeys.
