Modern Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Better security that delights
Not all multi-factor authentication is created equal
YubiKeys help modernize authentication with ease bridging legacy MFA to modern protocols such as FIDO2 and WebAuthn. With the YubiKey, organizations can eliminate account takeovers while delivering a delightful user experience.
Account takeover preventation rate
Research by Google, NYU, and UCSD based on 350,000 real-world hijacking attempts. Results displayed are for targeted attacks. Source
Offer the best user experience and security
SMS, one time passwords and mobile authenticators are cumbersome to use and hinder productivity. They are also easily breached via man-in-the-middle and phishing attacks. The top two data breach attack vectors today are phishing attacks and stolen credentials (source: Verizon 2019 Data Breach Investigation Report).
Yubikeys offer the best of both worlds – the best available security against phishing attacks and account takeovers, as well as the best user experience. To authenticate, users simply tap/touch their security key. YubiKeys also don’t require batteries, have no breakable screens, don’t need a cellular connection, and are water-resistant and crush-proof.
Bridge legacy MFA to modern protocols
Most traditional MFA methods are insecure. SMS, one time passwords, and even mobile push authenticators are susceptible to account takeover attacks from phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
YubiKeys feature modern protocols like FIDO2 and WebAuthn, as well as OTP, SmartCard (PIV), OpenPGP, earlier FIDO versions, and more. A single key supports multiple applications, allowing YubiKeys to work with current applications and authentication methods, and advanced and emerging protocols at the same time.
Drive high security ROI
Many applications that support OTP and other legacy methods don’t yet support modern protocols like FIDO2 and WebAuthn. A rip and replace of legacy methods overnight is not pragmatic and can be costly. At the same time, having users carry multiple authentication devices is not desirable either.
YubiKeys drive the best ROI on MFA projects with unparalleled versatility, frictionless user experience and multi-protocol support. Organizations have seen a 92% reduction in help desk costs, strong rise in user adoption, and a sharp decline in account takeovers.
How does multi-factor authentication with YubiKey work?
YubiKeys use modern protocols such as FIDO2 and WebAuthn open authentication standards co-authored by Yubico and members of the FIDO Alliance.
Passwordless: Authenticator user touch/fingerprint
Replaces weak passwords with a hardware authenticator for strong single factor authentication.
Two Factor Authentication: Password + Authenticator user touch/fingerprint
Second factor in a two factor authentication solution with a combination of username and password, along with user touch of hardware authenticator.
Multi-Factor Authentication: Passwordless + PIN or Biometric
Multi-factor with combination of a hardware authenticator with user touch and PIN, to solve high assurance requirements such as financial transactions, or submitting a prescription.
Case in point:
Google stops attacks on
employee accounts
Situation:
Google, the world’s largest Internet company is under constant attack from nation-states, hacktivists, fraudsters, and all manner of bad actors seeking to do harm. The company believed their one-time password LCD devices and mobile apps were increasingly vulnerable to phishing and “man in the middle (MitM)” attacks.
YubiKey Solution:
Ease of Use - Enables rapid login and supports response time SLAs
Low TCO - Supports OTP in place, with plans to adopt modern authentication approaches such as FIDO U2F as well as smart card PIV all with one single security key for low TCO
IAM Integration - Supports single sign-on and federation with existing IAM backend
Result:
The company turned to Yubico and implemented a policy whereby 2 Yubikeys became “standard issue” for each and every employee, as well as available for end-users.
“We believe that by using this token we’ve raised the standard of security for our employees beyond what was commercially available.”
– Mayank Upadhyay, Director of Security Engineering, Google Inc.
“Those using the YubiKey for two factor access appreciate the quick login capabilities”
– Richad Biever, Chief Information Security Officer at Duke University
