First security key with Lightning and USB-C simplifies 2-factor authentication

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YubiKey 5Ci security key
The YubiKey 5Ci security key provides 2-factor hardware authentication for iPhone or Mac.
Photo: Yubico

The YubiKey 5Ci is the first security key that combines USB-C and Lightning connectors in a single device. It provides iPhone or Mac users with very strong security access to Dashlane, 1Password, LastPass and other password storage apps.

Security keys 101

Security keys enable two-factor hardware authentication for accessing online accounts. They prevent accounts from being used unless the physical key is available, even with a password.

Because the YubiKey 5Ci has both Lightning and USB-C connectors, it can be used across iOS, macOS, Android and Windows computers. At present, it’s not yet fully compatible with iPad Pro models with USB-C ports, however.

“In an increasingly mobile-first world, where users are not tied to one machine, the YubiKey 5Ci serves an important role as a portable root of trust, proving that users are who they say they are, no matter what device they are on,” said Jerrod Chong, Yubico’s chief solutions officer.

Industry support for YubiKey 5Ci

You can use the YubiKey security key to secure Dashlane, 1Password, Bitwarden, Idaptive, LastPass and Okta iOS apps. If you use the Brave iOS browser on iPhone or iPad, it can access Bitbucket.org, GitHub.com, Login.gov, Twitter.com and 1Password.com.

For USB-C devices, Yubico’s offering supports with FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, OTP (one-time password), PIV (Smart Card) and OpenPGP.

The YubiKey 5Ci went on sale today for $70. And for those looking for the right software, Dashlane is the official password manager of Cult of Mac.

While Yubico’s new security key is the first to add a Lightning connector, it’s not the first compatible with iOS devices. Google’s Titan also can be used with iPhone and iPad over a Bluetooth connection.

Source: Yubico

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