Everything You Need to Know About Hardware Security Keys
1 min read
Summary
As the number of online security threats increases, new tech is being developed to try and counter it.
One such solution is the hardware security key, a physical device that allows users to verify their identity and securely log in to online services.
Such keys usually come in the form of a USB or NFC-enabled smart card that works in tandem with a user’s smartphone or desktop device.
When it is configured, the key creates a cryptographic key pair that is specific to the service being used, with the private key being stored on the hardware key and the public key on the service’s servers.
This provides an additional layer of security that prevents unwanted access to an account, even if a hacker has the user’s login details.
However, such keys are yet to be supported by a majority of online services, and they are generally more expensive than other multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods, such as SMS or authenticator apps.
