Key-ping up: YubiKey is a USB-based key used by the ultra-security-conscious who don’t trust 2FA or authenticator apps. Turns out, there’s a major bug that lets someone gain administrator access to all your usernames and passwords. If you use a YubiKey, get the latest update now.
The high-tech way to protect your logins that’s better than 2FA
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is becoming standard across all your devices and accounts, and for good reason. It’s easy to use and one of four ways to protect yourself from hackers and scammers.
2FA usually consists of two things: something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a smartphone). It can even involve who you are (a thumbprint or facial scan).
There’s a way to make 2FA even more secure. Until just last week, it was only available on Android phones. Now you can protect your iPhone logins as well.
The key to better security
Physical security keys are small devices that provide extra protection against unauthorized access to your accounts. They can work with your computer and phone via a physical or wireless connection. Even if someone gets a hold of your password, they wouldn’t be able to access your account without the physical key.
On top of that, these keys don’t work on fraudulent websites, so they protect you against phishing attacks.
It works like this: you enter your password and then use your physical key to log in to your accounts. Unlike a PIN code sent to your phone, this can’t be intercepted by an attacker.
Security keys are supported by Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Facebook and now Apple. They can work via USB, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC) and, in the case of Apple, a Lightning connection. Here’s how to set up this important tool for your iPhone or Android phone.
Security key compatibility was introduced with iOS 16.3, which was released last week. Here are more important features that came along with the update.
Set up a security key for your Android phone
- Log in to your Google account at myaccount.google.com.
- Select Security from the left pane and then 2-Step Verification.
- Choose Security Key under Add more second steps to verify it’s you.
- Select Add security key and choose Physical.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to add your physical security key.
Set up a security key for your iPhone
5 new steps you can take right now to stay safer online
The FBI recently reported a 400% increase in cyberattack complaints received since the start of the pandemic. If you haven’t given your devices and accounts a security checkup, now’s the time to do it.
Precautions like two-factor authentication and strong passwords are good places to start, but there are subtle tactics hackers can use against you even with these measures in place. Tap or click here to see a scam that targets 2FA codes.