• Protect the digital you

    Stop account takeovers and protect your online accounts with the YubiKey

    Home » Why Yubico » For individuals

    With phishing attacks on the rise,
    it’s important to protect yourself online

    Every seconda phishing attack takes place. Youor someone you knowmay have clicked on a malicious link from your emailtext message or a social media accountgiving hackers access to your private information.

    One of the most important ways to protect yourself online and prevent a hacker from gaining access to your account through a phishing attack is by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever and wherever possible.

    MFA diagram

    MFA as an extra layer of security

    MFA combines something you know (i.e. your password) with something you have (i.e. a physical security key like the YubiKey) and togethercreates an extra layer of security. MFA solutions that do not require a password—such as a passkey—can also be protected by YubiKeys.

    YubiKeys offer the highest level of security to fight modern cyber threats. Without physically having access to your security keya bad actor won’t be able to access your account. The keys protect against today’s modern phishing attacks and provide peace of mind that sensitive information stays secured.

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    Even if a hacker has access to your passwordwithout physically having access to your YubiKeya bad actor won’t be able to access your account 

    Check out our Works with YubiKey catalog to see all the places (AppleGoogleX1Password and more!) you can use your YubiKey to protect your accounts

    You can secure your mobile devicetablet and laptop all with the same YubiKey

    We like to think of it as you have a key to your housea key to your car and the YubiKey is the key to your digital world.

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    car key icon
    YubiKey icon

    Curious about the YubiKey?

    Why YubiKeys are the best option to secure your online accounts

    finger touching key

    YubiKeys as the gold-standard for multi-factor authentication:

    • Eliminate the need to reach for your phone to open an appor memorizing and typing in a code
    • Are easy to use—simply touch the YubiKey to verify with your account and you’re in
    • Are reliable and can be set up with applications and services in minutes
    • Are a rugged and durable solution (even survives the washing machine!) and doesn’t require batteriesWiFi or network connection

    The safest way to secure your accounts with multi-factor authentication

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    “Although there are many ways to do MFAsecurity keys are a highly secure and convenient option. Login codes sent via text message can be interceptedand authentication apps require that your phone be charged and available.”
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    As a first steptake inventory of all of your online applications and services to see which support security keys and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible


    email icon

    We recommend securing your email accountsocial media accounts and password manager with a YubiKey

    spare YubiKey icon

    As best practicewe recommend having a primary YubiKey and a spare key registered to your accounts (just like you would with a car or house key)

    Yubico Authenticator icon

    For services that require a timed one time password (TOTP)we recommend using our Yubico Authenticator – an authenticator app that uniquely requires a YubiKey

    What happens if I lose my YubiKey?

    What happens if I lose my YubiKey?

    Here are some best practices to ensure we avoid being locked out of our important accounts:

    • We always recommend having more than one YubiKey. 
    • We encourage you to set up both your primary and spare Keys at the same time.
    • For more information on what to do when you lose your YubiKeyplease see our support article.