YUBIKEY
The Yubikey 5 is a hardware security key produced by Yubico, designed to provide an extra layer of security for users across various devices and platforms. As the world becomes increasingly digital and the need for better security measures grows, multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions like the Yubikey 5 have gained significant traction. By offering a physical authentication method, the Yubikey 5 effectively prevents unauthorized access to accounts and services, even if passwords are compromised.
In this review, we’ll dive into the features, performance, pros, cons, and pricing to help you decide if the Yubikey 5 is the right solution for enhancing your cybersecurity.
The internet was designed for sharing information, not security. As it has advanced and scaled to be a critical part of our everyday lives—so have the fraudsters. Today, 3.8 billion email accounts, login credentials are being compromised every day. Because of this huge number of global users, data has become more than just numbers and statistics. All data on the internet is in a way a valuable set of information about economic projects, security and private data such as, names, date of birth, social security numbers and your ( faulty assumption ) personal email. Your assumption that your email is a private matter is true, but millions of people are faced with hacked data and subsequently loose their anonymity on the internet and face massive problems. Problems that could lead to personality theft and huge financial problems, as most people don’t use password managers and/or safe places for their precious data.
On top of all this, most people use only ‘one password’ to cover all their logins from email to government or business related access. Security is underestimated by millions, which makes the internet a great place for fraud and hackings. I guess almost everybody’s email address has been compromised in some way ( mine does as well ), as we all have a gmail account, or subscriptions of a newspaper or others. You may sometimes even receive an email from your host warning you about a hack that has taken place and your data, credit card is stolen. Welcome to the club !
Besides using a password manager a 2 Factor Authentication is absolutely needed to keep yourself protected as much as possible. So my first suggestion to everybody is to get yourself Dashlane Premium to store your passwords etc. However just running Dashlane is not enough really as you want to keep any kind of access to just yourselves. This is why YubiKey was invented and now used by companies and private users all over the world.
1. Hackers can sell your data to other criminals
- One way hackers profit from stolen data is selling it in masses to other criminals on the dark web.
2. Stolen personal information is fuel for identity theft
- Identity theft is a crime in which the victim’s personal information is used to gain benefits at the victim’s expense. Many online services require users to fill in personal details such as full name, home address and credit card number. Criminals steal this data from online accounts to commit identity theft.
3. Login details are needed for account takeover
- Criminals use stolen login credentials to break into accounts with payment details, such as shopping accounts. This is called account takeover, and it often leads to identity theft. If the hacker changes your password, you will also lose access to your account. Account takeover can be costly if the hijacked account includes payment details.
4. Stolen data is used to target phishing attacks and extortion
- With stolen personal information criminals can target victims with phishing attacks. In phishing scams victims are lured into giving information like credit card details willingly to criminals by masking the scam as something legit.
5. Stolen personal information can be used to harm companies
- In addition to the personal problems stolen data can cause, it can also damage companies. With stolen data criminals can target company personnel to give sensitive information or to trick them to make payments. Such phishing attacks targeted against a specific individual are called spear-phishing. Criminals can also try to gain access to company networks to spy on them and infect them with malware.
To give you an impression, about the impact of Data Hacking by criminals just read the statement below:
- Cybercrime will cost the world $7 trillion by 2025.
- By 2024, a business will fall victim to ransomware every 10 seconds.
- The cost of a data breach will reach $150 million by 2020.
- In 2023 alone, cybercriminals will steal 33 billion records.
- Americans lose $15 billion annually due to identity theft.
- 1 in 36 mobile phones had high-risk apps in 2018.
- It takes 196 days on average to identify a data breach.
Here’s an updated version with approximate percentages for key hacking statistics from 2024:
Global Hacking Statistics 2024 (with Percentages)
1. Cybercrime Costs
- Estimated global costs of cybercrime reached $12 trillion, up from $8 trillion in 2023 (50% increase).
- Businesses reported average damages of $4.5 million per data breach, a 12% increase from the previous year.
2. Most Common Types of Attacks
- Ransomware: Accounted for 40% of all cyberattacks, with average ransom demands increasing by 20%, reaching $1.5 million per incident.
- Phishing: Made up 36% of successful breaches, with a noticeable increase in AI-crafted phishing campaigns.
- Zero-Day Exploits: Increased by 18%, with over 250 vulnerabilities exploited globally compared to 212 in 2023.
3. Industry-Specific Data
- Healthcare: Targeted in 32% of all reported cyberattacks, exposing over 70 million patient records.
- Finance: Experienced 25% of total attacks, with 48% of breaches caused by social engineering.
- Retail: Suffered 20% of credential-stuffing attacks, primarily during peak holiday seasons.
4. Geographical Trends
- North America: Reported 45% of global attacks, with financial institutions being the primary targets.
- Europe: Accounted for 28% of cyberattacks, with 40% of those targeting critical infrastructure like energy and transport.
- Asia-Pacific: Represented 22% of global cyberattacks, with 65% targeting small and medium-sized businesses.
5. Emerging Threats
- AI-Powered Attacks: Estimated to be involved in 25% of all phishing campaigns, doubling from 12% in 2023.
- Supply Chain Attacks: Increased by 30%, affecting 15% of organizations globally.
- IoT Devices: Attacks surged by 40%, with weak security protocols contributing to 25% of these breaches.
6. Response and Prevention
- Cybersecurity Investments: Increased by 18% globally, with 65% of organizations adopting zero-trust frameworks.
- AI-Based Cybersecurity Tools: Adoption climbed to 42%, up from 33% in 2023.
- Government Initiatives: Resulted in a 10% faster response rate for ransomware incidents in regulated sectors.
7. Key Statistics at a Glance
- Total records breached: 6.5 billion records, up 15% from 2023.
- Average detection time: 18 days, down from 21 days in 2023 (14% improvement).
- Percentage of attacks leveraging social engineering: 52%.
- Increase in cloud-targeted attacks: 35% compared to 2023.
YubiKey 5 NFC, stops account takeovers, and offers password-less and modern multifactor authentication. You should get the world’s leading security key for superior security, user experience and return on investment. YubiKey’s, primary role is as a second factor of authentication. In practice, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) needs you to do a second thing after entering your password to prove it’s you / ownership. Authentication factors, listed in approximate order of adoption for computing, include the following:
- A knowledge factor is something the user knows, such as a password, a PIN (personal identification number) or some other type of shared secret.
- A possession factor is something the user has, such as an ID card, a security token, a cellphone, a mobile device or a smartphone app, to approve authentication requests.
- An inherence factor, more commonly called a biometric factor, is something inherent in the user’s physical self. These may be personal attributes mapped from physical characteristics, such as fingerprints authenticated through a fingerprint reader. Other commonly used inherence factors include facial and voice recognition. They also include behavioral biometrics, such as keystroke dynamics, gait or speech patterns.
(source: https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/two-factor-authentication)
Though this review primarily focuses at hardware 2FA, there also are many other ways/tools to add a second factor validation. Many sites will send you codes via SMS to verify your identity. Apps such as Duo (Free at Apple.com) and Authy rely on push notifications which are (in theory) harder to intercept than SMS messages. I also use DUO as a 2FA solution for some accounts, as you will need to ability from the host to actually add and integrate your YubiKey ( or other) in their system. This however is not yet adapted by all internet parties, which leaves you to stick to a 2FA software tool. Again, use this if possible, as it still makes things much more difficult for an hacker or data breach.
Whether you go with a hardware or software solution or a mix of both, do add 2FA wherever and whenever you can. When Google deployed 2FA keys internally, it saw successful account takeovers drop to zero. This proofs the significant contribution of Yubikey ( or Google’s Titan ).
Yubico has always offered several sizes and variations of its security keys to fit just about every need. This is great, because consumers and IT professionals can get exactly what they need at a variety of prices. The downside is that browsing the Yubico store is a frequently overwhelming experience. I’ll do my best to boil down the basics. To check which key would benefit your personal need just follow this link: https://www.yubico.com/nl/quiz/
There are four flavors of YubiKey 5 Series devices, including the $45 YubiKey 5 NFC reviewed here, as well as three other form factors: the $50 YubiKey 5 Nano, the $50 YubiKey 5C, and the $60 YubiKey 5C Nano. The ‘5 NFC’ is the only YubiKey to offer wireless communication, but besides that the only difference among these devices is size, price, and USB connector.
The two Nano devices are the least intrusive devices in the group and nestle within your USB-A or USB-C slots, easily within reach if you need them often. The YubiKey 5C uses a USB-C connector, is slightly smaller than the 5 NFC, and can hang on your keychain alongside the 5 NFC; it lacks wireless communication. You can, however, connect either the YubiKey 5C or 5C Nano directly to your Android device. The ‘nano-c’ devices are however a pain to extract from your usb-c slot. Well they do stick firmly in my new iMacs. But, they are most robust in use as the larger keys can be damaged by pressing the key each time you need to get access. This is mostly something to keep in mind when you’re using them on a notebook or such where the key is placed downwards. You only need to touch the metal conductor to activate the programmed code.
What sets the YubiKey 5 Series apart from the competition isn’t just the variety of form factors, as each one can function as a Smart Card (PIV), which can generate one-time passwords, support both OATH-TOTP and OATH-HOTP, and can be used for challenge-response authentication. All four devices support three cryptographic algorithms: RSA 4096, ECC p256, and ECC p384. These devices offer many different roles, often at the same time—provided you know what you’re doing as you need to understand what you’re doing when using the makers YubiKey Personalization Tool and/or Yubikey Manager software. These software programs offer a world of security settings which you need to be familiar with before just enter a setting.
Which YubiKey device you purchase will largely depend on what context you plan on using it. The Nano devices are useful if you plan on using them with a trusted computer, and you know you’ll need to access the YubiKey often. The full-size keys are better for hanging on a keyring and keeping close at hand for use.
**I will mention right now before describing how to use and experience its value, that you NEED TO have 2 YubiKey’s in your possession. You absolutely need a ‘Backup Yubikey’ in case you loose one or fails. If you don’t have a backup you will be faced with a real problem entering the site/host/mailbox you’ve secured !!
To help you get started, Yubico has created a handy guide for new users. Just pick the YubiKey device you have, and the site displays a list of all the places and contexts you can use your YubiKey. Some of these link directly to a site or service’s onboarding page, while others provide instructions you have to follow yourself. The guide discussed on Yubikey’s website ( https://www.yubico.com/works-with-yubikey/catalog/ ) shows you all services working with YubiKey. All mentioned services provide a ‘How To’ to set the wanted 2FA with your KubiKey, mostly you need to go to the security page in order to set your key. As mentioned earlier you need to have a backup key in case of loss, key fail or whatever issue that makes you need your YubiKey, so if you set one key, do the same again and use the second key for the same account. This backup key needs to be stored in a safe place of course.
When you setup the Yubikey as a U2F security key like in the image below to activate the sign in, just touch or tap the ‘metal’ ( copper insert ) of the key and like magic you’re authorised. I just can’t express it enough times that having this kind of security is a vital step in security of your data. You can also use the key for entering your Mac or PC which makes it an extra safety feature next to the ‘FileVault’ encryption of your Mac SSD or Fusion Drive.
The YubiKey 5 Series can authenticate you in a number of ways, not just via U2F. With LastPass or Dashlane, for instance, you enroll the YubiKey to generate one-time passwords (specifically HMAC-based One-time Passwords, but I’ll use OTP for brevity) with a tap. This is different from U2F but it in practice it feels very similar. Log in to LastPass, navigate to the appropriate part of the Settings menu, click on the text field, and tap the YubiKey. A string of letters spews out, and that’s it! Now when you want to log in to LastPass, you’ll be prompted to plug in your YubiKey to have it spit out more OTPs.
Google Authenticator is an well known app you probably are familiar with, which generates six-digit passcodes every 30 seconds. This technology, more generally, is called Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTPs) and it’s one of the most common forms for 2FA used today along with DUO app.
Plug in your YubiKey 5, and launch the Yubico Authenticator application (https://www.yubico.com/products/services-software/download/yubico-authenticator/#download_here ), now navigate to a site that supports Google Authenticator for iPhone or a similar service. To secure a Google Account, for example, click the option to enroll a new phone with the authenticator app. When clicked a QR code usually appears at this point, and a prompt pops-up to scan with the appropriate authenticator app. Another method is to select a menu option in the Yubico Authenticator Desktop app and capture the QR code from your screen. A few more next-clicks, and the app starts providing unique six-digit codes every 30 seconds.
The security level is that the Yubico app (desktop ) cannot generate TOTPs without the presence of your YubiKey 5. The Yubico Authenticator stores data directly on your YubiKey and not on your computer. Pull the Yubikey out, and the Authenticator app can’t make new TOTPs. This basic procedure could add security problems, if someone steals or gets access to your YubiKey used to generate your TOTPs. So you best lock your YubiKey with a password with the Yubico Authenticator App, to even if it were stolen can’t be used for generating TOTPs.
YubiKey 5 Series is able to do much more:
– use it as a smartcard to log in to my desktop computer.
– use it log in to SSH servers.
– generate a PGP key and then use the YubiKey to sign or authenticate.
- Multi-Protocol Support
- The Yubikey 5 supports a wide array of protocols to secure different types of online accounts, including:
- FIDO2 and WebAuthn for passwordless authentication (ideal for services like Google, Microsoft, and many other online platforms).
- U2F (Universal 2nd Factor) for an additional layer of protection on websites that support it.
- Smart Card (PIV) for secure access to enterprise systems.
- OTP (One-Time Password) for legacy systems and older services.
- OpenPGP support for encrypting emails and signing documents.
- Physical Security
- The Yubikey 5 is a hardware-based solution, meaning it generates cryptographic keys that never leave the device. This significantly reduces the risk of attacks such as phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks, as the key is required for authentication and cannot be easily copied or intercepted.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility
- The Yubikey 5 is compatible with a wide variety of platforms and devices, including:
- Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Android and iOS (via USB-C, NFC, or Bluetooth)
- Popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
- Cloud services such as Google, Dropbox, Microsoft Office 365, and more.
- Integration with password managers like 1Password, LastPass, and Bitwarden.
- Compact and Durable Design
- The Yubikey 5 comes in a compact form factor, designed to be easily carried on a keychain or stored in a wallet. It’s also highly durable and water-resistant, able to withstand drops, scratches, and rough handling. It has a USB-A and USB-C version, which makes it versatile for both older and newer devices.
- The NFC functionality allows you to use the key with mobile devices for added convenience.
- No Batteries or Network Connectivity
- One of the standout features of the Yubikey 5 is that it requires no batteries or internet connectivity to function. Once plugged into a device or connected via NFC/Bluetooth, it can perform the authentication directly, without needing an online connection or charging. This ensures that the device is always ready to use whenever needed.
- Cross-Platform Authentication
- The Yubikey 5 supports authentication on a wide range of platforms, from personal accounts to enterprise systems, allowing users to safeguard everything from social media accounts to VPN logins, and even system-level authentication (e.g., logging into a computer or encrypting hard drives).
- Easy Setup and Integration
- Setting up the Yubikey 5 is simple. It works out of the box with most major services and can be easily integrated into existing MFA systems. Users can quickly set it up as a second factor of authentication by registering it with their accounts, and Yubico offers helpful resources for setup.
- Compatibility with Existing Security Infrastructure
- If you’re a business or enterprise looking for a multi-factor authentication solution, the Yubikey 5 integrates seamlessly with a variety of enterprise solutions, including Active Directory, VPNs, and custom SSO solutions.
- Fast and Responsive Authentication
- The Yubikey 5 is incredibly fast and responsive. Once plugged in or placed near a device via NFC, authentication takes just a few seconds. The touch-based authentication system (requiring a tap of the Yubikey) makes the process smooth and user-friendly. This is a major benefit for users who need to authenticate frequently, as it offers a frictionless experience.
- Compatibility with Most Services
- One of the standout aspects of the Yubikey 5 is its broad compatibility. It works with Google, Facebook, Dropbox, GitHub, WordPress, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and many more services that support FIDO2, U2F, and OTP protocols. This versatility makes it an appealing option for both individuals and businesses looking for robust, cross-platform authentication.
- No Need for Internet Connectivity
- Since the Yubikey is a standalone device, there is no need for a network connection for authentication, making it more secure and reliable compared to purely software-based authentication apps. Whether you’re offline or have a limited internet connection, the Yubikey will continue to work seamlessly.
- Convenient for Mobile Devices
- The NFC support allows users to authenticate easily with mobile devices, which is an added convenience, especially for users on the go. While the Yubikey 5 can also connect via Bluetooth on compatible devices, the NFC option is particularly easy for quick authentication, even if you’re on a mobile browser.
- Enhanced Security
- The hardware-based authentication makes the Yubikey 5 one of the most secure forms of multi-factor authentication available. Since the authentication key never leaves the device, it provides strong protection against phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Multiple Authentication Protocols
- The support for various authentication protocols (FIDO2, U2F, OTP, etc.) means the Yubikey 5 is compatible with a wide range of services, offering great flexibility for personal and business use.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility
- Whether you’re on a PC, Mac, Android, or iOS device, the Yubikey 5 can provide secure authentication. This broad compatibility ensures you’re covered across all your devices and platforms.
- Durability and Portability
- The compact design, water-resistant build, and keychain-ready format make the Yubikey 5 a highly portable and durable solution that’s easy to carry wherever you go.
- Fast and Easy Authentication
- Authentication is quick and seamless. The touch-based authentication or NFC support makes the process as simple as a tap, reducing friction in the user experience.
- No Battery or Charging Needed
- The Yubikey 5 requires no batteries or internet connectivity, which makes it incredibly convenient for users who don’t want to worry about charging or losing access to their security key.
- Widely Supported by Major Services
- The Yubikey 5 works with a large number of services and platforms, including major providers like Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Dropbox, and AWS, making it an ideal choice for both personal and business security needs.
- Price
- While not excessively expensive, the Yubikey 5 is priced higher than some software-based MFA solutions like Google Authenticator or Authy. For those on a tight budget, the upfront cost may be a deterrent, especially when considering that you’ll need to purchase one per user.
- Limited Bluetooth Support
- While the Yubikey 5 offers Bluetooth support for some devices, it is not as widely supported as USB or NFC. This can be limiting for users who expect seamless Bluetooth compatibility across all their devices.
- No Support for Older USB-A Devices in Some Cases
- The Yubikey 5 comes in both USB-A and USB-C versions, but users with only USB-A ports may find themselves needing to buy an adapter if they have a newer device with a USB-C port. Alternatively, they can opt for the USB-A version.
- Single Device Authentication
- While the Yubikey 5 is great for protecting individual accounts and services, it doesn’t have the ability to provide authentication for multiple devices at once, requiring users to carry multiple keys if they need it for several devices (though this is a minor inconvenience).
- Yubikey 5 (USB-A and USB-C version): Approximately $45-$60 depending on the model.
- Yubikey 5C NFC (USB-C and NFC): Approximately $55-$70.
The price point is slightly higher than typical software-based solutions, but considering its hardware reliability, multi-protocol support, and durability, it offers solid value for users seeking high levels of security.
The Yubikey 5 is one of the most robust and versatile hardware security keys on the market. It excels at providing multi-factor authentication across a wide range of platforms and services while
maintaining a secure and user-friendly experience. With support for FIDO2, U2F, OTP, and more, it offers excellent cross-platform compatibility and robust protection against a wide variety of cyber threats.
Its durability, portability, and seamless integration with popular online services make it an ideal choice for both individuals and businesses looking for a highly secure solution for account protection. While the price may be higher than software-based MFA solutions, its long-term security benefits and ease of use justify the cost for those who take cybersecurity seriously.
Pros:
- High-level security with hardware-based authentication
- Supports multiple authentication protocols
- Easy and fast authentication process
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Durable and portable design
- No need for batteries or network connectivity
Cons:
- Upfront cost may be a deterrent for some users
- Limited Bluetooth support for certain devices
- No multi-device authentication at once
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