Yubico - YubiKey 5 NFC - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-A or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts

Excellent product (5th time buying since 2010) and I wouldn't buy any other MFA key. Strong casing, never fails, compatible with most everything I need it for. Extremely portable and can fit on your keychain. Immediately works with lightning fast speed, and never gets hung up with easy removal USB C fit.

I have used a YubiKey for authentication at work for the past 3 years and while reviewing hardware MFA security keys did quite a bit of research of the various keys out that and the compatibility of the key with different solutions including the ability to authenticate with Windows Hello login, using passkey instead of BIO authentication and this one is one of the few recommended. Additionally, I liked the idea of using it with my cell phone as well and have setup many sites to use passkey authentication including ones like "login.gov" which supports and advocates for passkeys. Tonight I took the YubiKey out of my laptop and authenticated to a web site I had previously setup from my laptop with my mobile phone. I chose "passkey" for authentication then placed the YubiKey against the back of my cell phone with my finger on the touch pad and it immediately authenticated and logged it successfully. Now I can key from both devices once a key pair is setup for a web site so completely portable. You do have to enable NFC from your phone as it is likely off by default. I would buy this again and it works better and is a much easier and more way to login (authenticate) than passwords which are easily compromised. If I knew it was this easy and worked so well before I would have bought it long ago as the FIDO 2 keys have been available for a long time, it is just that many people do not know much about them.

Yubico is the best product to get to deter phishing attempts. I happened to learn about this great item through John Hammond on YouTube when he was covering the topic on phishing attempts. I never knew there was a physical key you can use to lock down your accounts. I have owned this item for well over a year and find it absolutely a necessity in today's digital world. The fact they you can use it as a passkey, security key or OTP is so useful. Please note you need to buy these in pairs b/c if you lose the one key where all your access is on it you will not get back into your accounts. It would be ideal to have at least three. I ended up purchasing the one that sits connected to the computer and use the keys if I need to access it on my mobile or on another device. It's durable, valuable in every way and functionality is off the chart!

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 User One 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!

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.

If you are looking for the ultimate way to protect your digital life, the YubiKey 5C NFC is it—but specifically, you want the new 5.7.4 firmware version. I’ve been using this with my MacBook, Windows PC (via an HID 5022 reader), and my phone, and the experience is absolutely flawless. The Power of Firmware 5.7.4 I bought this specific version because the internal storage has been massively upgraded. You now get: 100 Passkeys: (Up from only 25 in older versions). 64 TOTP Accounts: (Double the previous capacity for 2FA codes). Seamless Flow: Whether I’m tapping it via NFC on my phone or using it as a "Smart Card" in my USB reader, it works instantly without any lag. The "8-Try" Security Kill Switch (Important!) I’ve attached a screenshot from the Yubico Authenticator app showing the 8-attempt limit for FIDO2/PIN. This is one of the best security features, but you need to understand how it works: The Fail-Safe: If an unauthorized person tries to guess your PIN 8 times, the YubiKey permanently wipes the FIDO2/Passkey application. The Result: Your passkeys are deleted for your own protection. To use the key again, you have to factory reset the FIDO2 module and manually re-create and re-register your passkeys. This ensures that even if you lose your key, a thief can never brute-force their way into your accounts. The "Rule of Two": Why You Need a Pair Because the security is so tight (8 strikes and your data is wiped), you MUST buy these in pairs. 1. Primary Key: This stays with you for daily use. 2. Backup Key: This stays in a safe at home. If you lose your primary key or accidentally trigger that "8-try" wipe, you aren't locked out of your life. You simply use your backup key to log in and then set up a new replacement. Buying just one is a huge risk—buy two for total peace of mind! Summary The app interface (see my screenshots for the Passkey and 2FA layouts) makes managing your security incredibly easy. This isn't just a gadget; it’s professional-grade security that anyone can use. Look for the 5.7.4 firmware—accept no substitutes!

The usefulness of this to prevent hacking and phishing attempts cannot be overstated. I am frequently targeted by hackers, but now, currently, I only lose my mobile Internet connection and not my identity. It is most effective on websites by adopting a zero-trust standard- avoiding the use of passwords entirely, never checking "remember me" when logging in on seemingly trusted devices, and always signing off when finished using a web account. The USB port can be adapted to a standard USB. It's portable designs allows it to slip in a wallet-phone case if you don't want to bring your keys anywhere. It's backward compatible with less advanced FIDO protocols, interoperable across all operating systems, and signs cryptographic challenges with near-instantaneous speeds. More websites and all banks should adopt FIDO2 as a means to make more of the Internet passwordless.

I've been using an older version of the Yubico key for a while now. This version is a really good upgrade from the earlier editions -- mostly because of the included NFC capability. I strongly recommend buying two of these at a time if you can. They'll still work, but having a backup stored somewhere safely can really make things easier if you ever lose your original. It fits on a keychain and I've never had a problem with the older one that I've had for about 10 years. The only downside to these is that not every website or company implements this as an option for 2-factor identification. It's simply bizarre to me that I can use this on quite a few websites with the extremely noticeable exception of *every* *single* financial institution that I do business with. (I know there are some banks that do, though). Once you set it up, it's easy to do. The only complaints that I get from most people is that it's just a hassle to have to log-in and take the extra 5 (maybe 10) seconds to pull out the key to log into your account. This is a must if you use a password manager. If all you're using is single-factor on your Dashlane or LastPass or 1Password you need to consider the extra security by taking this extra step (for whatever password manager you use -- and you really *need* to be using a password manager, btw). You do need to make sure to read the instructions which can be a little technical, but Yubico has a great set of tutorials that make it fairly simple (plus there are a ton of instructional videos on YouTube that are helpful as well). Or just get your techie friend to help. You don't really need to use this for every single website, and there are a lot of websites that don't use it, but for the ones where you have any personal or financial information, it's becoming more and more of an almost necessity. Before you buy, make sure to read up a little on how they work and that will let you know which one will work better for you. Overall, these are a great way to provide a fairly significant increase in your online security. Realize, however that it won't guarantee that you won't be part of a breach, but you at least can feel better about someone being able to take over your important accounts by guessing your password or stealing your phone/computer/tablet. If someone steals both, then all bets are off. That's why you keep the Yubico key on your keychain and your computer somewhere else. I'd recommend these for people who have a need for extra security online. Also, remember that (so far and contrary to what you may hear or read anecdotally), there hasn't been a single case where this type of 2FA has been breached when it's been used correctly.