YubiKeys is a fully FIDO compliant device that is used to allow users to log in to their accounts without entering passcodes themselves. It is plugged into a computer, tablet, and smartphone, and completes 2nd form of authentication when required by the online services. YubiKey is a small plastic key that resembles a USB stick and provides various interfaces such as USB A, USB C, Lightning, and NFC. 2FA is not currently mandatory for many online services, but everyone should adopt the 2FA service is offered by your online provider. Combined with using strong passwords with an aid of password managers, and adoption of 2FA greatly enhances online security to the next level. The industry has expanded to offer a variety of additional authentication methods including biometric (fingerprint and face recognition) and hardware dongle such as the YubiKey. The use of SMS and email are early form of 2FA offerings, and the current method employ 6-digit passcode generated from software authenticators such as the Google Authenticator, Duo Security and Authy. As there have been a number of security breaches in cyberspace and hackers are committing cybercrimes to steal personal data from online communities, more and more online platforms are offering a second form of authentication to validate the users from who they claim they are. In traditional online platforms, the username and password pair was used to authenticate a user. The YubiKey is recognized as a human interface device (HID) and delivers password as if the keystrokes are coming from a keyboard. It is a pure 2FA device that generates HMAC-based One Time Passwords (HOTP) and Time-based One Time Passwords (TOTP) that you can plug (or NFC) into your smart device.

It is not a password manager and does not store username/password pairs for your online accounts.

The YubiKey is a hardware device that generates passcodes for 2-factor authentication ( 2FA).

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