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When it comes to online activity, security has and likely will always be one of the biggest concerns for users. If you’re like many people, you have your set of passwords for your devices and services and that is enough to keep your information safe while browsing the web, shopping online and whatever activities find you in front of a computer.
For more and more users, an added level of protection is becoming a prevalent desire, if not a necessity. Many companies now require employees to utilize what is called 2-factor authentication for software services, online applications and even device login. This process works exactly like it sounds. Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, prompts users for 2 separate keys to access said services.
Yubikey
When it comes to online services, Yubico is hands-down the leader in this arena. The company offers a number of hardware form-factors for adding another level of security to accounts and hardware alike.
Depending on the model, the Yubikey can implement a second verification step via USB port or NFC and offers support for hundreds of services and applications that utilize the FIDO U2F standard.
If you are a Chromebook user, the Yubikey can even be used to login to your devices. Once two-step verification is setup, your security key can be used to access your device via the USB port.
USB-C
The newest generation of Chrome devices will be embracing the latest generation of USB ports and like it or not, USB-C is quickly becoming the standard for computing and mobile devices alike. If you’re already a user of security keys like the Yubikey, fear not, these devices work perfectly with USB-C to USB-A adapters.
Yubico has created a USB-C security key that will be available in February. But, if you don’t want to wait, you can grab an adapter from Amazon at the link below.
If you’re interested in adding a new level of security to your computing lifestyle, current Yubikey devices are available here as well.
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