A YubiKey is a hardware-based physical security device designed to strengthen user authentication in the field of cyber security. Developed by the company Yubico, it acts as a security key enabling the implementation of a two-factor authentication (2FA) or multifactor (MFA)by combining :
- What you have (the physical key)
- What you know (a password) or what you are (biometrics).
Features
1. Multiple interfaces :
- Connects via USB-A, USB-C, NFC or Lightning, depending on model.
- Compatible with standards FIDO2, FIDO U2F, OTP (One-Time Password) and PIV (Smart Card).
2. Protection against attacks :
- Resistant to phishingtype attacks. man-in-the-middle "and the reuse of passwords.
- Cryptographic data (private keys) are securely stored in the device and cannot be extracted or copied.
3. Common uses :
- Authentication for online services (Google, Microsoft, GitHub, etc.).
- Securing access to corporate networks (VPNservers).
- Digital signature of documents or transactions.
4. Key benefits :
- Laptop Small size, easy to carry.
- No battery or internet connectivity Passive: works passively via the port or NFC.
- Versatile compatible with hundreds of platforms and applications.
