YubiKey 5C NFC User Experience Pros and Cons
Recently I got a new type of security protection device – YubiKey 5C NFC. I have never used any physical products for internet security but this one is worth trying as it gives me a more substantial level of protection.
I have ordered three (reasons will be explained) to get started.
The reason why I have ordered multiple ones is that this key would probably be the only way to prove that you have access to the accounts you want to protect. So, in case you lose your only key, you might want to order at least another one as a backup. I got three to decrease the chances of this incident.
The keys look very fangled, sort of like a thin USB with a touch circle on it. Yubikeys have different versions, and I chose 5C NFC which has a USB type-c port and an NFC function that can be worked on many smartphones including Android devices and iPhones. Also, I feel that 5c is more future-proof as, at the end of the day, we will adopt the type-c port massively.
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Below are the pros and cons of the YubiKey:
Pros：
- Easy to use. It looks like a USB and works simply as you just need to insert it into our device and there you go.
- It is supported by services of many companies including but not limited to Gaming companies (Blizzard), Google accounts, Microsoft accounts, Cloudflare, Crypto Trading platforms (Kraken, Binance), Email services (ProtonMail), Social Media APPs(Instagram, Facebook) and many others. The list is growing longer.
- Very suitable for both corporate usage and personal use. At this level of security, it can meet the most needs in professional settings. For personal use, it is more secure than methods like the authenticator app and SMS.
- Can be used for dual purposes: 1. 2FA authentication 2. normal security key for smartphones
- Can also be used for password APPs or software like 1Password, LastPass, and Bitwarden.
Cons:
- Need an additional device as a backpack which costs you additional $. But, once you got 2 or more, you are good to go.
- Might be easy to lose as it looks tiny. Fortunately, apart from purchasing a backup, there’s a keychain hole on it and you can attach it to your key ring or just store it in your wallet.
In conclusion, the USB security key emerges as an easy-to-use and versatile authentication tool with notable advantages. Its USB-like simplicity facilitates seamless usage, making it accessible for both corporate and personal security needs. The extensive support from various reputable companies, including gaming, tech, and financial platforms, underscores its broad applicability. The device’s dual functionality, serving as both a 2FA authentication key and a normal security key for smartphones, adds to its convenience. While the need for an additional device may incur an extra cost initially, the investment pays off in enhanced security. The risk of potential loss is mitigated by thoughtful design features, such as a keychain hole, allowing users to attach it to their key ring or store it securely. Overall, the USB security key stands out as a reliable and secure authentication method, offering a robust solution for safeguarding digital identities.