Authentication is a critical part of any security strategy. It verifies the identity of users accessing systems and data. However, traditional username and password authentication has weaknesses that can be exploited by attackers. Security keys offer a way to strengthen authentication and prevent many common attacks.
What Are Security Keys?
Security keys are physical devices that users connect to their computers or mobile devices for login. They prevent phishing attacks and account takeovers by requiring the physical presence of the key. The two main standards for security keys are:
- FIDO U2F – This is used for two-factor authentication. The user enters their username and password, then touches the security key to verify.
- FIDO2 – This supports passwordless authentication. The user unlocks their device and touches the security key to login.
Popular security keys include YubiKey and those made by Google, Feitan, and Thetis. They connect via USB or NFC. Many companies now support security key login including Google, Facebook, Twitter, GitHub, and Dropbox.
How Do Security Keys Strengthen Authentication?
Security keys strengthen authentication in several key ways:
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Phishing Protection – Security keys prevent phishing because the login process requires physical access to the key. Attackers cannot log in from a remote location.
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Two Factor Authentication – With two-factor, gaining access requires both something you know (password) and something you have (security key). This prevents password compromise.
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Cryptographic Authentication – Security keys use public key cryptography to authenticate users. This is much stronger than passwords alone.
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No Reuse – Security keys have unique secret keys so password reuse is not a risk.
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Resilience to Breaches – If a password is compromised, an attacker still cannot login without the physical security key.
Together these properties make security key login extremely robust compared to passwords, SMS codes, or authenticator apps.
Setting Up and Using Security Keys
To start using a security key, first obtain FIDO U2F and/or FIDO2 compatible security keys like YubiKey. Many companies now provide security key support including:
- GitHub
- Dropbox
To set up security key login:
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Plug the security key into your computer’s USB port or tap it to your mobile device.
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Access the security settings of the account you wish to secure.
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Follow the instructions to register your security key. This will generate and store credentials securely on the key.
Once registered, simply insert or tap your security key when logging in to verify your identity. Most services will fall back to another method like SMS or TOTP authenticator if you don’t have your key. So it’s convenient to keep a backup method configured.
For better security, some services support requiring the security key for all logins. This prevents phishing completely. But you would be locked out without the key.
Security Key Benefits and Limitations
Benefits
- Very strong phishing protection
- Prevents many remote attacks
- No need to memorize passwords
- Encrypted and tamper-resistant
Limitations
- Requires hardware purchase
- Must have key physically to login
- Limited use on shared devices
So security keys excel at securing individual accounts. But alternatives like shared secrets or certificates may be preferable for device login or SSH connections.
Best Practices For Implementation
When deploying security keys, follow these best practices:
- Train users on security key operation, backup codes, and recovery
- Require keys for admins, privileged users, and cloud login
- Support both FIDO U2F and FIDO2 standards
- Allow users to register multiple keys as backups
- Provide a fallback authentication option like TOTP authenticator
Proper implementation and training will maximize the security benefits of this technology while minimizing business disruption if keys are lost.
The Future of Passwordless Authentication
Security keys are helping drive a shift toward passwordless authentication. By combining public key cryptography with on-device prompts, users can login securely without passwords.
FIDO2 enables this model, supported on Android, Windows 10, MacOS, and Linux devices. As browser and operating system support expands, expect more services to offer passwordless login via security keys.
The security and usability advantages will make this an essential part of the future of authentication. Security keys and passwordless login represent a major evolution making accounts far more resistant to compromise.
