As a business, effectively managing your passwords, access to sensitive information, and overall online security is essential. When it comes to securing accounts, two-factor authentication has become a widely used method of maintaining a high level of protection. Two-factor authentication often uses methods like texting a code to a phone number as identity confirmation. But with a Yubico security key, you will have a physical key that is even more affective. In this guide, we’ll be exploring what a Yubico security key is and its benefits to cyber security for businesses.
Who are Yubico?
Yubico is the creator of the award-winning security product Yubikey. The company was founded in 2007 with the aim of improving log in security and making the technology accessible for everyone. As a global authentication leader, Yubico has worked closely with internet companies to create native support for their security keys in the biggest online browsers and platforms. This has helped make the internet safer for billions of people around the world.
What is a Yubico security key?
The Yubico security key or Yubikey, is a physical key that ensures strong authentication of hardware. It is designed to secure the identities of users and employees, reduce costs for businesses, and offer an unrivalled security experience. The security key is available for USB-A and USB-C ports. And according to the New York times, ‘has the best combination of compatibility, usability, and security of any key we tested’.
Supporting various protocols and with broad compatibility with commonly used online services like Dropbox and Google. The Yubico security key series is well renowned as the best hardware multi-factor authentication on the market. It adds an extra layer of security to online accounts and reduces the risk of phishing attacks or other data breach attempted.
How does the security key work?
When you log into an account with a Yubico security key, you must have your normal login credentials (your username and password) and the security key that is registered to that account. After typing in your username and password the website or app will then ask you to connect the key. You can do this by either plugging it into the port on your device, or holding it close to the top of your phone if it supports NFC.
By using this physical layer of protection and authentication, you can better protect your account from takeovers that attackers can do virtually with other types of multi-factor authentication. One Yubico security key serves multiple purposes for securing login to online services, email accounts, apps, computers, and more. This makes it versatile and good value for money for businesses. If they want to ensure they are operating securely without overspending on potentially inferior products.
The key does not require a battery or software installation. It is ready to use as soon as it is taken out of the packaging. Simply login to the place you want to protect and register the key. It’s quick and easy which is ideal in a business setting with several employees who might need security keys.
Why should you use Yubikey?
There are many benefits to implementing Yubico security keys in your business, including:
- Mitigate risk of account takeovers – with a security key, no one will be able to access your account unless they have your password and the physical key itself. This significantly reduces risk when it comes to unauthorised access to your account. Especially in comparison to other systems and two factor authentication software that you have to download. Which come with inherent vulnerabilities.
- Quick and easy to use – tapping the key or plugging it into your device is just as straightforward and hassle free as retrieving a code from a text message. If not more so, with the added benefit of being more secure. It is fast and efficient to use whenever you need without requiring a specific connection or battery charging.
- Cost effective and reliable – one of the biggest IT support costs is password resets, which the Yubico security massively reduces. There is no risk of getting locked out of your account if you type the wrong code like with mobile one-time passwords. So, you can save time, money, and stress with Yubikey.
Conclusion
If you need an effective and reliable hardware authentication solution, a Yubico security key will be beneficial to you and your business. At CyberWhite, we offer specialist cyber security advisory services, based on our team’s extensive industry knowledge and experience. Contact us today to discuss your cyber security needs and see how we can support your business.