Yubico Simplifies Smart Card Deployment in the Enterprise

David Treece

David Treece

2 minute read

In the enterprise, smart cards simplify login to computers, VPNs, and online applications. Smart cards are also used for digitally signing emails and documents. While smart cards are known for delivering strong authentication, they are not simple to deploy. For example, to use a smart card in an enterprise setting, an admin must install client / driver software on every computer and an external smart card reader is typically required. Fortunately, there is a solution for smart card deployment in the enterprise: the YubiKey.

Since 2015, the YubiKey has supported smart card PIV functionality. This means the YubiKey acts as both a smart card reader and a smart card, and requires no extra hardware. Most recently, we have simplified smart card deployment with the introduction of a YubiKey smart card minidriver. The new YubiKey minidriver enables users to simply self-enroll using the native Windows GUI, and even manage their smart card PIN from Windows Ctrl+Alt+Del. Administrators benefit from the YubiKey minidriver through user provisioning using the Microsoft built-in MMC.

Smart card functionality is one of the five authentication protocols supported by the YubiKey, including Yubico and OATH one time password, FIDO U2F, and Open PGP smart card. With multi-protocol support, the YubiKey is suitable for deployment across the enterprise to secure access to computers, networks, and services.

Yubico enterprise authentication setup diagram

Need assistance to roll out or support your YubiKey deployment across the enterprise? Check out our professional services. We are here to support you.

,
Talk to our teamTalk to our team

Share this article:
  • Works with YubiKey Spotlight: Passkeys are here – are you ready?With 2025 at its midpoint, enterprises worldwide are grappling with how to protect their users and data against emerging challenges around user security. Since 2022, generative AI has fueled a 4,000% surge in phishing – exploiting human vulnerability in 68% of breaches. It’s no longer a question – the world has a password problem that […]Read morepartnerspasskeysWorks with YubiKeywwyk
  • Yubico LogoYubico liefert PIN-Verbesserungen mit dem neuen YubiKey 5 – Verbesserte PIN-SchlüsselUm sich auf die sich ständig weiterentwickelnden Cyber-Bedrohungen vorzubereiten, passen Regierungen weltweit die Authentifizierungsanforderungen für Online-Dienste an und aktualisieren sie, was direkte Auswirkungen auf viele Unternehmen und deren Mitarbeiter hat. Zwar gibt es derzeit keine universelle Regelung für eine robustere Multi-Faktor-Authentifizierung (MFA), doch wird deren Notwendigkeit in einer Reihe von Anforderungen hervorgehoben, darunter PSD2, DSGVO […]Read moreYubiKey
  • Yubico delivers PIN advancements with new YubiKey 5 – Enhanced PIN keysTo prepare for continuously evolving cyber threats, governments around the world are adapting and updating authentication requirements for online services which directly impact thousands of organizations and their employees. While there’s currently no universal regulation for more robust multi-factor authentication (MFA), the need is highlighted across a range of requirements including PSD2, GDPR, and the […]Read moreCompany NewsProduct NewsYubiKeyYubiKey 5 – Enhanced PINYubiKey 5 SeriesYubiKey as a Service
  • An inside look at Yubico’s transition to passwordlessBefore “passkey” became a familiar term in our industry, Yubico had long delivered hardware-backed and phishing-resistant FIDO2 based authentication. Today, the adoption of passkey usage is accelerating. However, it’s taken quite a bit longer to integrate passwordless authentication into the everyday, enterprise-grade authentication flows that are required for today’s businesses.  As long as it’s been […]Read moreOktapasswordless