All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
A Yubico Security Key, or YubiKey, is one of the most useful pieces of hardware you may not have heard of. It’s a physical device that you can purchase, which uses biometrics (fingerprints) to secure your passwords with two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and passwordless authentication.
The YubiKey can be easily tapped or plugged into the drive port of a compatible device to grant it access to your accounts. It works with your password manager, rather than instead of it, to give you high-level security. You may be wondering if this tool is for you, and we think it is! Read on below to see why.
#1 ranked password manager with a strong history
Trusted Nord name backed by above industry standard encryption
Grab NordPass on its own or opt for a fully-featured security bundle
A Yubico Security Key is used to add an extra layer of security to your accounts, devices, and even physical spaces. It’s a piece of hardware that enables 2FA, MFA, and passwordless authentication in tandem with your password manager and other security software.
At its core, YubiKey is a security device that works with your other security setups to decrease the likelihood of you being hacked. It creates another form of authentication and acts like a magic keyboard, typing in code unique to you, which unlocks your computer, password manager, phone, and more.
When you plug in your YubiKey for the very first time, you create a secure connection to your information. You can then take that physical key with you wherever you go. When you want to log into an account from a new place, you insert your YubiKey and let it provide the authentication. Using your YubiKey with your password manager ensures all your online accounts are protected, organized, and secure.
YubiKey has touch recognition that tells the device you’re human. This lets your accounts know you’re a real person and not a hacker. Some YubiKeys even use a biometric login (your fingerprint) to authenticate that it’s actually you using the YubiKey.
You can also use YubiKey to create an OTP. Once you plug your YubiKey in (or touch it to your compatible device), you can use the touch function to generate an OTP. The YubiKey generates the password and enters it into the field, which grants you access.
Yes, YubiKey is actually safer than an authenticator app like Google Authenticator because the physical YubiKey doesn’t have an online presence that can be hacked. It also requires no power to exist, unlike an authenticator app like Google, which could theoretically go down if the internet fails.
In addition, YubiKey automatically enters the OTP or code without keystrokes, while an authenticator app requires you to key in the code. This can be picked up by keylogger software.
Before you use your YubiKey for the first time, you’ll need to activate it with the following steps:
Secure password manager with no history of being hacked
Unique features, like Travel Mode
YubiKey is a useful tool that can increase your security, but because it’s a physical device, it can be lost or stolen. While there are YubiKeys that use fingerprint scanners to make sure you’re the only one using the device, not all of them do.
No, because YubiKeys don’t store data, require a network connection, or run on software, there’s no tracking that can happen. If you’re using it to sign into an account via the internet, however, we suggest using a virtual private network (VPN) to hide the location of your internet-connected device used for the login.
There are benefits to using YubiKey over 2FA, even though YubiKey is a different form of multi-factor authentication itself. Because it’s not connected to the internet and doesn’t require the internet to work, it can’t be hacked remotely. It also automatically enters the authentication rather than having you key it in, which removes the possibility of keylogging software snagging your code.
If you have a biometric-authenticated YubiKey, if someone else finds it, they shouldn’t be able to use it. If you have a YubiKey with standard authentication, then someone who knows your devices, accounts, and places may be able to use it. We suggest using a YubiKey with a fingerprint scanner for ultimate protection.
YubiKey is a relatively low-tech device that secures your devices, online accounts, and even physical locations. Because it can enter passwords manually without keystrokes, it protects against keylogging software. It also comes with touch sensors that prove a real human is using it, and newer YubiKeys can include fingerprint scanning for more security. All of that together makes the Yubikey a powerful tool that may be a good addition to your security stack.
What we like most about YubiKey is that it integrates with a variety of operating systems and — more importantly — password managers. The best password managers can keep your information secure and organized. With all the opportunities for your information to be leaked online, enhancing your security with extra tools is worth the investment.
#1 ranked password manager with a strong history
Trusted Nord name backed by above industry standard encryption
Grab NordPass on its own or opt for a fully-featured security bundle
/images/2023/03/23/keeper_password_manager_review_2.jpg)
/images/2023/04/26/best_password_managers_for_mac.jpg)
/images/2025/02/25/yubico_security_key_logo.jpg){kind=logo}
/images/2024/11/16/password_manager_review__1password_alternatives.jpg)
/images/2024/11/16/password_manager_review__roboform_altneratives.jpg)
/images/2024/11/15/hand_pointing_at_lock_sign_password._concept_of_log_in_safety_protecti_20n6C5X.jpg)
/images/2024/11/15/opera_gx_logo_on_white_background.jpg){kind=logo}
/images/2024/11/15/strong_password_for_cyber_security_high_protection_and_safety_for_logi_8Yy2nGC.jpg)
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/kate_quinlan_headshot_april_2024.png){kind=small}
/images/2023/03/09/logo-nordpass.png){kind=logo}
/images/2023/03/09/logo-1password.png){kind=logo}
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)