YubicoYubiKey 5 NFC - Two-Factor authentication (2FA) Security Key, Connect via USB-A or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts

This YubiKey is an absolute must-have for anyone who takes online security seriously. It works exactly as expected, adding an extra layer of protection while being fast and reliable in daily use.Note: I'm reviewing the USB-A version, as it's currently the more versatile plug, but they do have USB-C versions which, I'm sure, work just as well. This is a solidly-build product from a reputable company.Why This YubiKey Stands Out:* Compact & Well-Designed – The size is perfect for keychains, lanyards, or slipping into a wallet, and the durable metal contacts ensure it won’t wear out easily. The design is minimalist but incredibly functional, with a simple tap-to-authenticate process.* Excellent Value for Money – Compared to the risks of an account takeover, the cost of a YubiKey is a small price to pay for peace of mind. Unlike software-based 2FA (which can be phished or compromised), a physical key is far more secure and lasts for years without needing replacements.* Easy Setup & Wide Compatibility – Works seamlessly with a variety of services that support FIDO2, U2F, and OTP. Setup is straightforward, and once configured, authentication is instantaneous—just plug it in and tap.* No Batteries, No Hassle – One of the biggest advantages of a hardware key—it just works. No need to worry about app permissions, phone battery, or network access.* Multiple Use Cases – Whether it’s for personal accounts, work-related authentication, or securing admin access, this key is invaluable. (Obviously only use this for work if you're authorized to do so by your manager and IT team!)Designed for Maximum Security from Factory to UserOne thing I really appreciate is how Yubico designs and manufactures these keys in a secure environment. They come in a sealed package with limited handling, ensuring that you’re getting a 100% secure token, direct from the factory. This is critical for security-conscious users, as it eliminates the risk of tampering or supply chain attacks.Buy Two, One for Backup!If you’re serious about security, always have a backup key stored somewhere safe (literally in your safe). If you lose your primary key, recovering access to secured accounts can be a nightmare. YubiKeys last for years, so having two is a smart investment.It’s worth noting that this version uses USB-A, not USB-C, but it works perfectly for setups that don’t require (or have) USB-C.Final Thoughts:If you're still relying on SMS-based 2FA, it's time to upgrade. A hardware security key like this is a game-changer, providing real protection against phishing, credential stuffing, and account takeovers. Buy two, keep one as a backup, and secure your accounts the right way. Highly recommended!

YubiKeys are the most well known security out there and its for a good reason. These are great quality and do their job well. I use 2 of these (1 main, 1 backup) to protect all of my online accounts that support them, allowing me to have the HUGE peace of mind knowing that those accounts are not going to be hacked anytime soon (unless my cookie is stolen, but that's besides the point), and also speeding up logins without needing to remember or type in a password!I would recommend these to anyone looking to increase their online account's security.

Can be used for: required for logging in to Windows and Debian (use PAM modules) and sudo access, Google and MSFT accounts 2FA (and many other accounts, like even Discord), requiring it for SSH (when generating keys, use "-sk" and only allow Pubkey Auth), integrating with password managers, and other cool uses.Buy at least two, and register everything with both, then secure the second in case anything happens to the first. If anything happens to one, order another as the new backup and register with each device/account. Probably keep a paper list of everything you registered it with (in case you need to re-authorize everything with a new one) and secure that.

A standard type of hardware key. Easy to use, provides an additional level of security at login superior to SMS messages. Some sites require two, so that you can maintain access if you lose one. Don't lose it! Security keys should be physically secured.

Using the YubiKey effectively requires some familiarity with and study of security protocols as well as the YubiKey documentation. Each of the following security technologies can be used: Yubico OTP, Challenge-Response, Static Password, OATH-HOTP, FIDO2, FIDO U2F, PIV, OpenPGP, TOTP Authenticator and YubiHSM Auth. Some of these, especially FIDO2 (Passkeys) require an additional YubiKey for backup. Apple actually requires 2 YubiKeys for this reason. Some require PINs others do not. It is best to focus on using one or two protocols in the beginning and learning all the related settings.The password manager KeePassXC/Strongbox requires configuring a Challenge-Response secret, which actually can be backed up separately without additional YubiKeys. Each site has different configuration options and usually merely adds the YubiKey as an additional 2FA option, alongside less secure methods such as SMS, which should be disabled.Multiple apps are used on the desktop: YubiKey Manager, YubiKey Authenticator, and the legacy YubiKey Personalization Tool, together with an additional app for mobile devices and driver utilities that are required when using YubiKey on Android.Currently, the apps have different, but partially overlapping features. Everything works as expected, but there is a large amount of complexity hidden behind relatively simple looking user interfaces. Which new user would know the difference between OTP, FIDO2 and PIV on the Applications menu of YubiKey Manager? Challenge-Response is hidden behind the OTP menu. Once configured in Slot 1, for example, the current settings (or purpose) cannot be seen any more.Yubico needs to create one integrated app that covers all technologies, and that is consistent across operating systems. Less common features should be hidden behind an advanced mode switch. A first-run setup wizard should cover the most important options, including PIN codes.The various prompts for Passkeys/Hardware Security Keys in different browsers (Firefox, Brave, Safari) are somewhat unpredictable and sometimes buggy. This is more of a symptom of an immature Passkey/FIDO2 ecosystem, than a fault of the YubiKey, but it adds to the learning curve. After FIDO2 Passkeys are configured on various sites, some are shown in the Yubico UI (Apple,...), but others (Facebook, ...) are shown only on the configured websites. To know why, a user needs to read up on the technologies used and how different websites implement them.I think, that a YubiKey is recommended for those who are well versed in computer technology with a willingness to learn about security protocols. There are ways to configure a YubiKey wrongly or insecurely, and one YubiKey is not enough, as users could lock themselves out. For the average user, an authenticator like Ente Auth is probably the better alternative.