What is a U2F Hardware Key and How Does It Work? Comparison of the Most Popular Keys

Traditional security methods such as passwords or one-time codes, while still widely used, are no longer sufficient to fully secure our online accounts. This is where U2F hardware keys come to the rescue – devices that provide an additional layer of protection, effectively guarding against phishing attacks and other forms of unauthorized access. In this article, we'll look at what exactly a U2F key is, how it works, and compare the most popular models available on the market. Is a USB hardware key truly a guarantee of security and a convenient solution for everyday use? Or is there a catch?

Hardware Key – What Is It?

When it comes to protecting your information, you're never completely safe. Although using strong passwords and software-based two-factor authentication (2FA) is certainly a great start. You can additionally strengthen your online security with a hardware security key. Moreover, they are easy to use on both personal and work devices and accounts.

You don't need to be a technician to use a physical key. They are quite easy to set up, and some can even be kept on a keychain for convenience. A security key is the perfect way to get extra peace of mind when it comes to protecting accounts, devices, and information.

U2F Security Key in Practice

From a physical perspective, a U2F key is a type of hardware security device that resembles a USB flash drive and is plugged into one of your computer's USB ports. What is a hardware key? In practice, a security key is a physical security device with a completely unique identity. It contains a small chip with all the security protocols and code that allows it to connect to servers and verify your identity. It is used to ensure that the user is actually accessing the website or service.

Some security keys even have built-in NFC or Bluetooth functionality, making them ideal for use with new Android and iOS smartphones. An example is the YubiKey 5C NFC, which supports both USB-C and NFC, enabling quick and convenient authentication without the need to type one-time codes. The keys work with browsers like Google Chrome, as well as web services such as Gmail, Facebook, Dropbox, 1Password, Twitter, GitHub, Microsoft, and many others. You can find the full list here.

What is a hardware key used for? Security keys are another layer of two-factor security, apparently not much different from one-time codes received via SMS or email when logging into some websites, or biometric fingerprint or face scans used to unlock a laptop or smartphone. But instead of sending a code or scanning a body part, you need to plug the device into your computer to access everything you want to protect. That's why models like the YubiKey 5 NFC are an excellent choice – they combine the reliability of a physical key with the convenience of wireless NFC connectivity. You can use USB hardware keys on both computers and mobile devices, making them a universal solution for people who care about the security of their online accounts. This is the best method of securing an account against unauthorized access. Why? Read on.

U2F Keys – Comparison of Security Levels You Can Apply

I've divided login security levels into three stages. It's best to be at the third, but it all depends on our willingness and commitment:

1. Strong security: use unique, but above all long passwords for each account. This makes it extremely difficult for a hacker to guess your password. They will be hard to remember (password managers will help here), but their complexity makes them very effective. This still doesn't protect you from data breaches, and these happen often.

2. Enhanced security: set up two-factor authentication based on SMS messages or apps like Google Authenticator etc. This makes it even harder for a hacker to break in, as they need to perform two steps. Additionally, in most cases you'll also receive a one-time code notification every time someone tries to access your account, warning you.

BUT, this still doesn't protect you from phishing attacks! You might log into a fake website that only looks like the original. By logging into a site that's controlled by hackers, you provide both your password and one-time code, and they simultaneously enter it on the real website. From your perspective, the whole process looks like normal login, but it's not. You've just given the hacker access to your account.

3. Strongest security: setting up physical two-factor authentication, also known as a security key, creates a single, unique access point that cannot be duplicated. For you or anyone else to access your connected accounts, you'll need your password as well as the physical key.

Security keys are so good that they won't even let you enter information on a fake website, so even if a hacker manages to trick you, they won't trick your security key. This hardware acts like a digital bodyguard, keeping unwanted users away from your information. 100% protection against phishing. The key itself will verify that you're logging into the right domain.

Here's an example of a key that offers advanced protection, our bestseller: Yubikey 5C. With its USB-C port, it's the ideal solution for users of modern devices such as laptops or smartphones. YubiKey 5C provides equally high resistance to phishing attacks while offering full compatibility with the latest security standards like FIDO2, U2F, or OpenPGP.

And don't worry: no personal data or account information is stored on the security key. If you lose the key or someone takes it, they'll still need to know your account names and passwords to get anywhere.

How Do Electronic Security Keys Work?

Electronic security keys are another way to verify with the server you're trying to contact that you are who you say you are. These keys support a universal open-source standard called FIDO U2F, which was developed by Google and Yubico for physical authentication tokens.

How does a hardware key work? Think of a security key like a hotel door. You check in at reception, pay the daily fee, and receive a room key. So if you stand in front of your assigned room door and say: "I want to enter", the door simply won't open. You'd have to insert the key into the slot, let it connect to the hotel system and confirm, "Yes, this key is currently valid. Give me the named key code to open this room."

Installing and using an electronic key is also quite simple. After connecting the devices and online accounts where you want to use the security key, all you need to do at this stage, is plug in the U2F hardware key when you want to access the device or website and press the button on the key.

Who Should Use a Physical Security Key?

Anyone can use a physical key, but for some people it might be unnecessary. For example, for people who don't care about email security ;).

We definitely recommend keys to anyone who wants to reach the highest level of security in a cheap, proven way.

We also recommend U2F hardware keys for everyone who deals with confidential information online, such as financial information, as well as celebrities and other important people who need an extra layer of security.

If public figures used physical keys more often, many data breach scandals might never have happened.

Disadvantages of Using a USB Key

The main disadvantage and biggest weakness of USB hardware keys is that they represent a single point of access to your accounts. If the key makes it almost impossible for a hacker to access your accounts, it also makes it almost impossible for you to access your own accounts if you lose the security key. A good example here is especially the Yubikey 5C Nano key, because it's small, discreet, and convenient, but equally easy to lose, especially when stored in a wallet or keychain. That's why it's recommended to have two USB hardware keys connected to your account. That way, if one gets lost, the other will serve as a backup, still providing access to your accounts and various data.

Currently, more and more Polish banks are introducing support for security keys, enabling their use for logging into online banking. When exactly we'll be able to secure our account at every bank depends on its security policy. Want to check which services support U2F hardware keys? You can do so here.

Other Features to Consider What to Remember When Buying a 2FA Security Key

Of course, security is the most important thing here and the most important part of a physical security key. However, there are several additional features to consider if you're thinking about buying an electronic key.

Device and account compatibility: not all Yubikey hardware keys from Yubico are the same. Some connect to your computer via USB-A or USB-C ports, while others only support Apple Lightning ports. Newer variants can even support Bluetooth and NFC, making them compatible with smartphones. Make sure the key you choose will work on all devices where you want to use it – from macOS and Windows to Android and iOS.

Durability: Since a security key is something you might potentially use every day, it's important that it has a solid construction from high-quality materials. The connectors that plug into your device's USB port should be strong enough to withstand thousands of uses. The best security keys can withstand being dropped (or having something dropped on them) and are also waterproof. You can find such keys in our store :)

The Best Physical Keys to Protect Your Email

If you've decided you want an electronic key but aren't sure which ones to buy: below we've presented several of the best options, including some premium keys and an affordable option.

Best Security Key: Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC

Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC is one of the most secure and versatile hardware keys available on the market. Here are the main reasons why you should choose YubiKey 5 NFC:

1. Brand reputation and trust – First, it should be mentioned here that Yubico is a leader in the digital security industry that has gained trust worldwide. The company was a partner in developing the FIDO U2F standard, together with Google, making it one of the pioneers in data protection. Thanks to this, Yubico has gained a reputation as a provider of reliable and innovative authentication solutions.
   
   

2. Connector versatility – YubiKey 5 NFC is equipped with both NFC functionality and a USB-A port, providing great flexibility in terms of device compatibility. It can be used with a wide range of computers, laptops, phones, and other mobile devices that support NFC or USB-A, making it an exceptionally universal tool for everyday use.
   
   

3. Multi-standard security support – The YubiKey 5 NFC key supports a range of different security standards, such as FIDO U2F, FIDO2, Yubico OTP, OATH-HOTP, Open PGP, and SmartCard. Every user will therefore appreciate that it will be a great solution for securing access to a wide range of online services, applications, and systems, regardless of industry or need.
   
   

4. Resistance and durability – it is resistant to water, tampering, and mechanical damage such as crushing, ensuring its reliability even in difficult conditions. Thanks to this durability, the key can be used for many years without fear of damage.

YubiKey 5 NFC is the highest quality solution for people looking for a solid, secure, and easy-to-use tool to protect their online data.

Yubico works with trading partners and retailers. Our company Sapsan is an official Yubico partner.

Affordable Security Key: Security Key NFC by Yubico

1. Availability and functionality – the hardware key Security Key NFC by Yubico is an attractive option at an affordable price, offering solid security with a limited number of supported services. While the list of compatible platforms here may be somewhat shorter than with more expensive models, it still covers a wide range of popular applications and web services, providing a high level of protection.
   
   

2. NFC functionality – equipped with NFC technology, this key enables convenient and quick authentication from mobile devices. Thanks to this, it works smoothly with phones equipped with NFC functionality, which significantly increases the comfort of using this device in daily online interactions.
   
   

3. Weather resistance – the U2F hardware key Security Key NFC is waterproof, making it resistant to damage caused by adverse weather conditions. This is a particularly important feature, as this device is intended for everyday use and can often be exposed to moisture.
   
   

4. Strength and durability – despite the lower price, it is characterized by high durability. It is as resistant to mechanical damage as its more expensive counterparts, making it a long-lasting and solid solution for protecting private data.
   
   

This key is an excellent option for users looking for an inexpensive but effective way to improve the security of their online accounts.

Hardware Keys – Conclusions

While it may seem that adding another gadget to our digital everyday life is unnecessary, in reality it's an investment in peace of mind. Although hardware keys obviously have their disadvantages, such as the risk of losing the device mentioned in the post, I think their advantages – in the form of an additional layer of protection – outweigh these inconveniences. In the context of contemporary challenges related to cyber threats, investing in a hardware security key is not only a step towards greater comfort, but above all conscious care for privacy and data security.

You can see all U2F keys in our store at this link:
https://sapsan-sklep.pl/collections/yubikey

If you still don't know which key to choose, Yubico has prepared a quiz that will help you.