Get started with Security Key Series

2FA is a method to confirm a user’s claimed online identity by using a combination of two different types of factors. Factors used for 2FA include something that you know (e.g. password or PIN), or something that you have (e.g. a security key or phone) or something that you are (e.g. facial recognition). For more detailed information, please visit our 2FA glossary page.

The Security Key works as an extra layer of security to your online accounts. When logging into an account with a Security Key registered, the user must have the account login credentials (username+password), and the Security Key registered to the account. This physical layer of protection prevents many account takeovers that can be done virtually. Thus the Security Key is a form of 2FA (two-factor authentication).

A single Security Key has multiple functions for securing your login to email, online services, apps, computers, and even physical spaces. Use any Security Key feature, or use them all. The versatile Security Key requires no software installation or battery and therefore it is ready to use directly out of the package. Just login to the service you want to add that extra protection to and set the Key up.

We at Yubico always recommend you to secure your account with an additional YubiKey, please see the section above named “Is it important to have a Spare Key?”. This additional YubiKey can be used as a spare key in case your primary YubiKey is misplaced or stolen. If you do not have an additional YubiKey added, it is recommended to have another form of 2FA added to your accounts. Please note, if you do end up being locked out of your account, you will need to contact the service for help with account recovery.

Yes, we at Yubico always recommend having more than one YubiKey. This way one key can be used as a primary key, and the other can be used as a Spare Key. The importance of having a spare Key is well established. We have them for our most valuable assets in life – our houses, our cars, our PO and safety deposit boxes, etc. Not surprisingly, we also need spare keys for our digital devices! Having a spare key gives you the assurance that if you lose your primary key, you will not be without access to critical accounts when needing them most. In other words, with a spare key you have no need to fear being locked out of any accounts, and no need to go through a lengthy recovery and identity verification process to regain access to each account.

Check out our helpdesk center where there are tons of knowledge base articles to help arm you with the necessary info to better your online security.