• Protect the digital you

    Stop account takeovers and protect your online accounts with the YubiKey
    Home » Why Yubico » For individuals

    With phishing attacks on the rise,
    it’s important to protect yourself online

    Every second, a phishing attack takes place. You, or someone you know, may have clicked on a malicious link from your email, text message or a social media account, giving hackers access to your private information.

    One of the most important ways to protect yourself online and prevent a hacker from gaining access to your account through a phishing attack is by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever and wherever possible.

    MFA diagram

    MFA as an extra layer of security

    MFA combines something you know (i.e. your password) with something you have (i.e. a physical security key like the YubiKey) and together, creates an extra layer of security. MFA solutions that do not require a password—such as a passkey—can also be protected by YubiKeys.

    YubiKeys offer the highest level of security to fight modern cyber threats. Without physically having access to your security key, a bad actor won’t be able to access your account. The keys protect against today’s modern phishing attacks and provide peace of mind that sensitive information stays secured.

    Even if a hacker has access to your password, without physically having access to your YubiKey, a bad actor won’t be able to access your account 

    Check out our Works with YubiKey catalog to see all the places (Apple, Google, X, 1Password and more!) you can use your YubiKey to protect your accounts

    You can secure your mobile device, tablet and laptop all with the same YubiKey

    We like to think of it as you have a key to your house, a key to your car and the YubiKey is the key to your digital world.

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    car key icon
    YubiKey icon

    Curious about the YubiKey?

    Why YubiKeys are the best option to secure your online accounts

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    YubiKeys as the gold-standard for multi-factor authentication:

    • Eliminate the need to reach for your phone to open an app, or memorizing and typing in a code
    • Are easy to use—simply touch the YubiKey to verify with your account and you’re in
    • Are reliable and can be set up with applications and services in minutes
    • Are a rugged and durable solution (even survives the washing machine!) and doesn’t require batteries, WiFi or network connection

    The safest way to secure your accounts with multi-factor authentication

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    YubiKey 5C NFC
    YubiKey 5 NFC

    PC Mag award

    “Although there are many ways to do MFA, security keys are a highly secure and convenient option. Login codes sent via text message can be intercepted, and authentication apps require that your phone be charged and available.”


    YubiKey supports a variety of the most popular apps and services

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    security settings diagram
    registration diagram
    success diagram
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    As a first step, take inventory of all of your online applications and services to see which support security keys and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible


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    We recommend securing your email account, social media accounts and password manager with a YubiKey

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    As best practice, we recommend having a primary YubiKey and a backup key registered to your accounts (just like you would with a car or house key)

    Yubico Authenticator icon

    We also have our Yubico Authenticator app that can generate codes for logging into services

    Spare YubiKeys in keychain

    What happens if I lose my YubiKey?

    A question we get often is: What happens if I lose my key? No need to worry—we’ve got solutions!

    • As best practice we recommend having a primary key and a backup key registered to your accounts (just like you would with a car or house key)
    • We also have our Yubico Authenticator app that can generate codes for logging into services

    Get Started

    You should select your YubiKey based on the services (i.e. websites and apps) and devices you want to use the Key with. Please see the resources below to help you decide on which YubiKey will be your best fit.

    Not sure what to choose?

    Visit our knowledge base for more information.

    Get protected today

    Browse our online store today and buy the right YubiKey for you.