It’s not every day you get to hear a pioneer of internet security share why you and the rest of the world needs modern, reliable and easy-to-use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). If you want to understand phishing-resistant authentication and why it matters, there’s nobody better to ask than Jakob Ehrensvärd, Yubico’s co-founder.
Jakob built his first computer at fifteen years old and by twenty-five had designed the security system for Sweden’s largest nuclear plant. He has been the driving force taking the YubiKey from working prototype to full-scale production and beyond, on our mission to create a safer internet for everyone. Today, Jakob serves as Yubico’s Chief Innovation Officer.
Recently, Jakob took part in a Q&A at our Stockholm HQ, where he answered questions posed by the Yubico community, including:
- Why should you use a YubiKey?
- What happens if you lose your YubiKey?
- Where do one-time passwords (OTPs) and smart cards fall short?
Jakob discusses the importance of securing our identities in a world where “a digital signature is as valid as a handwritten signature.” With increased threat levels, and increasing complexity of services, he emphasizes that we need technology that’s strong enough for now but also for the future.
He also shared more about the history of the YubiKey, and the motivation behind its invention. Jakob picks the defining moment that made the company what it is today, featuring an unexpected cameo from a popular podcast host. Watch the video below for the full story:
