YubicoSecurity Key NFC - Basic Compatibility - Multi-factor authentication (MFA) Security Key, Connect via USB-A or NFC, FIDO Certified

Works great!

This is a savior to be able to access secured accounts like edu domains without having to use a smartphone, which can be an issue when traveling abroad or if you simply don't have one. The security key was easy to install, but you may have to consult with your IT office to make that log-in option be available on your account. Once that is done, the key can be installed by following the prompts.

Side note - I use the open-source BitWarden password manager, which supports Yubikeys. BitWarden is free on multiple devices like PC, Mac, Linux, and your smartphone - for some of the bells and whistles like supporting a YubiKey you have to upgrade to their $10 a year plan, totally reasonable and you should support this company, they are great and my favorite password manager.Now - on to the Yubikey itself. One of the great selling points is that you cannot log on to services that support Yubikey (e.g. your bank, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) if you do not have physical possession of the Yubikey. If someone happened to obtain your User ID and password somehow, they still wouldn't be able to log in thanks to the Yubikey, so that is peace of mind. Speaking of peace of mind, do yourself a favor and buy 2 because you're going to want to store the backup key somewhere safe and easily accessible in case you ever lose your primary key. It is not technically necessary, but it would be an extra hassle to try and prove to the bank or other service that you are the actual client because you won't be able to log in without the key, so there is no easy password reset that you might be used to. Each company has different procedures if you have to call them if you lost your only Yubikey, for all they know you might be a leet hacker trying to social engineer them, so having the backup key gives peace of mind and you can avoid that problem if you are prone to losing things.In a digital world filled with passwords as long as the Great Wall and security measures more complicated than a Rubik's Cube, finding a solution that balances convenience and protection is a quest worthy of a tech-savvy knight. Enter the YubiKey 5 NFC – a pocket-sized guardian that brings a touch of magic to the realm of online security.At first glance, the YubiKey 5 NFC may seem like a humble USB stick, but beneath its unassuming exterior lies a treasure trove of security features that would make even the most paranoid IT guru grin like a Cheshire cat. With support for a myriad of authentication protocols, including FIDO U2F and FIDO2, OTP, PIV, and smart card, this little key unlocks a world of possibilities for safeguarding your digital kingdom.But what truly sets the YubiKey 5 NFC apart from its peers is its Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities. With a wave of your hand (or a tap of your phone), you can seamlessly authenticate with your YubiKey using compatible mobile devices, turning your smartphone into a digital Excalibur that vanquishes would-be hackers with ease.Setting up the YubiKey 5 NFC is as simple as pie – even for those whose tech skills are as rusty as an ancient server rack. Just plug it into a USB port or tap it against your NFC-enabled device, follow the prompts to register it with your accounts, and voila! You're one step closer to digital invincibility.The YubiKey 5 NFC is a game-changer in the world of online security – a trusty sidekick for the modern-day digital hero. So, whether you're a code-slinging developer, a data-wrangling sysadmin, or just someone who wants to keep their online accounts safe and sound, the YubiKey 5 NFC is here to save the day (and your passwords).Final note - regular 2FA (two-factor authentication) of the type that sends you a text message with a ~6-digit code can be compromised by "SIM jacking" i.e. a hacker calls and socially engineers your cell phone plan provider like T-Mobile, AT&T, etc., and convinces them that the hacker is you, and you want to transfer your cell service to a new SIM card because you lost yours. The cell providers don't always do a great job in this situation and have been known to transfer your account to the hacker and their SIM card. I guess you would have to be a high-value target for something like this to happen, but it's good to know that the Yubikey protects you from this type of attack and has your back.

This key is a good buy, but if like me you prefer to save a few dollars to get quality, price and usability, my best advice is that it is worth it to buy their pro versions or latest models. Although thanks to this purchase I was able to reinforce the security of all my environments, I must admit that you will be left wanting to use their app and the 2fa or TOTP options for the security codes that this one here does not offer, but other than that it is a good buy if you are not going to be left wanting to use the verification codes.

There are other more exquisite models of Yubikeys (eg. Yubikey 5, Yubikey FIPS) along with different sizes of each model, however this basic Yubikey (Model) Security is all most people will ever need.The "Yubikey Security" includes basic FIDO/WebAuth, for verifying your identity with many popular Internet sites when using Two Factor Authentication (2FA).The "Yubikey 5" is more so for those (likely tech savy guys) using PGP/GNUPG on a daily basis, such as signing Emails or source code commits. Includes OpenPGP (GNUPG) and SSH key support, as well as some other exquisite authentication methods. Most documentation workflows mandate destructively moving/copying the keys to your (USB) security device token (Yubikey 5), with PGP/SSH keys are primarily contained on the security device token with only stub key files remaining on the computer. If you're a user simplifying your security routine rather than complicating your security workflow, probably not wise with the existing paranoid coded tools or workflow!The "Yubikey FIPS" is likely only for actively employed Government employees requiring Federal Information Processing standards (FIPS). Certainly, as of this date July 2024, does not include civilians logging into the basic Federal Internet sites for receiving benefits; and likely will never include civilians. FIDO/WebAuth is primarily used with external security device tokens, such as Yubikey. FIPS likely requires key extraction/copying from official Government keys, and likely requires the assistance of the system's administrator... a task not for the "faint of heart", even for seasons computer programmers.YUBIKEY SECURITYPROS1) It is a larger key, unlike the nano sized USB keys, so users can visibly see their key is still attached and can remove the key when not in use.2) Basic FIDO/FIDO2/WebAuth security, can greatly simplify most Internet sites using pain in the butt Two Factor Authentication. (eg. Google, ...)3) More feasible $20-25 each, rather than greater than $50 for each for more exquisite Yubikey 5 models.4) Key is in a form factor much smaller than the credit card sized security device tokens.CONS1) If kicked, knocked or dropped, the larger keys can likely break or break USB ports.2) Most banks still do not make use of external security device tokens (eg. FIDO2, WebAuth, ...), such as the Yubikey Security USB key.3) Only one form factor, large basic and very visible. (eg. No nano sized USB keys for Yubikey Security.)

Really awful product and there's absolutely no customer service. I needed a security key and this one popped up in the search. Bought it and attempted to use. Their website is very unhelpful, their videos don't provide clear instructions, they do not have anyone you can speak to, and their app doesn't recognize the key itself. Waste of money.

Forget about using passwords, time for passkey to take over.

I have no negative response for this, ' Yubico Security Key'. It's a two-Factor authentication security key and works well. I will advise to use this for any data sensitive information you work on. Thank you. (Not a paid product reviewer)