Phishing is among the top three cyber crimes, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It’s lethal because it’s a social engineering scam, meaning it exploits human vulnerabilities rather than technical flaws. However, just because you click a phishing link and end up entering your login credentials on a fake page doesn’t mean you need to suffer a financial loss or identity theft. Physical passkeys like the Yubico Security Key C NFC are hardware-based and resistant to phishing, remote hacking, and server-side breaches that typically compromise passwords and OTPs.
The Yubico Security Key, at just $29, packs a long list of features and has a 4.4 rating from over 3,400 reviews. Not only does it employ the latest passkey standards, including FIDO2, WebAuthn, and FIDO U2F protocols, but it also supports hundreds of services, including everyday essentials like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and some of the best password managers, including Keeper, 1Password, and Bitwarden.
Using it is super simple, too. It comes with a USB-C port, so it works with most laptops and smartphones. Alternatively, you can use its NFC (near-field communication) functionality and just tap it on your device without requiring any internet connection at all. Then, when you want to log into a service, simply tap it. No codes, no SMS, no hassle.
It’s also built to last. It’s IP68 rated, meaning it’s both water and dust-resistant, and it can’t be crushed either. It’s worth noting that this particular security key by Yubico is a lower-tier, more affordable version suited to everyday users. However, if you’re a tech pro and need compatibility with secure static passwords, OATH, smart cards, or want to be able to generate authentication codes, consider getting the YubiKey 5 series.
