Last month, Twitter removed text-message-based authentication as an option for nonpaying users, recommending instead an authenticator app or security key.

Security keys have been around for over a decade, but now they’re in the spotlight: Apple recently introduced support for them as an optional, added protection for Apple ID accounts. Having any kind of second factor is better than none at all, but physical security keys-little dongles that you plug into a USB port or tap on your phone during account logins-offer the highest level of protection. I’ve written about all the different types of 2FA, such as getting those codes sent via text message or generated in an authenticator app. This is referred to as “two-factor authentication,” or 2FA, as the nerds know it. The key to online security is protecting your account with a strong secondary measure, typically a single-use code. So if the yubico breaks, I can use the cheapo backup until I receive the replacement yubico key.Strong passwords are very important, but they’re not enough to protect you from cybercriminals. I got this and a cheapo but we'll functioning basic key for ten bucks.

Next.note you should have 2 keys for backup, but they don't have to be the same, not do you need two of these 5 series yubico. So the key I got was on a firmware from about a year ago and is missing a few profiles added to some security protocols I don't use. But they can't be updated in the field due to security issues. This key, like others you'll find for sale away from the manufacturer may have older key firmware with a bug or improperly implemented feature. Yubico, a company that drives the above standards extends those to additional protocols, a yubico authenticator app that works in conjunction with the key. Fido, fido2 and u2f are pretty well covered. Other than standard two factor logins with a key. I won't explain what it does, I presume folks know it's for higher login/data access above and beyond passwords.

Good key, buy them on eBay to save $ but be advised.

Yubico security key price