Yubico security keys are about to become even more secure
YubiKey Bio Series with fingerprint recognition is now available
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Securing your online accounts fromphishing attacksis about to get even easier asYubicohas announced that its YubiKey Bio Series is now generally available.
The YubiKey Bio Series is the company’s firstsecurity keythat supports fingerprint recognition for secure passwordless and second factor logins. Yubico designed its latest security key for biometric authentication ondesktop PCsandMacsand it supports modern FIDO2/WebAuthn and U2F protocols while being available in both USB-A and USB-C form factors.
TheYubiKey Biocan now be purchased on the company’s website though you will need to pay a bit more if you want the device in a USB-C form factor. While the YubiKey Bio with USB-A costs $80 (around £58), the YubiKey Bio with USB-C costs $85 (around £62).
If you’re looking for a security key with NFC support though, you may be better off opting for Yubico’sYubiKey 5 Seriesinstead of the YubiKey Bio. Thankfully though, the company has created aquizon its website to help you determine the best security key for your needs.
YubiKey Bio Series
Just like with Yubico’s other YubiKey devices, the YubiKey Bio does not require any batteries, drivers or additional software. Instead the device is designed to integrate with the native biometric enrollment and management features supported in the latest platforms andoperating systems.
As a result, once a YubiKey Bio is set up, users will be able to use it for secure second factor authentication and passwordless logins for desktop-based FIDO-supported services and applications. Out of the box, the device works with Citrix Workspace, Duo, GitHub, IBM Security Verify,MicrosoftAzure Active Directory,Microsoft 365, Okta and Ping Identity.
The YubiKey Bio Series also features a three chip architecture which allows biometric fingerprint data to be stored in a separate secure element that delivers enhanced protection from physical attacks. It acts as a single, trusted hardware-backed root of trust which users can leverage to authenticate with the same key across multiple desktop devices, operating systems and applications.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Partner director of product management in Microsoft’s identity and network access division Sue Bohn praised Yubico’s latest security key in apress release, saying:
“More and more of our customers prefer biometric methods, because they provide strong security protection and are easier and faster to sign in than a password. Yubico carefully considered customer needs in designing the biometric key to make it secure and simple enough for anyone to use. A FIDO2 YubiKey with a biometric sensor is a cause for celebration.”
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
This new phishing strategy utilizes GitHub comments to distribute malware
Should your VPN always be on?
Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: A powerful and truly portable projector
