What is a security key and how does it work?

Your digital accounts hold a wealth of information and access permissions. While passwords serve as the first line of defense, they are still vulnerable to breaches and phishing attacks. This is where a security key comes in—a reliable, powerful tool for adding an extra layer of authentication to protect digital accounts.

Security keys: Stepping up your login security

Security keys are physical devices, typically resembling USB flash drives or key fobs, used to authenticate access to online accounts and systems. These keys are regarded as one of the most secure forms of two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) due to their physical nature, which makes it impossible for attackers to replicate or steal them remotely. Security keys act as a second layer of security, ensuring that your accounts remain secure and inaccessible to attackers, even if your credentials are compromised.

Types of hardware security keys

• USB security keys: These resemble traditional USB flash drives and connect to devices' USB ports for authentication.
  • USB-A security keys: These are the most common type and fit into the standard USB-A ports on computers.
  • USB-C security keys: These keys are designed for devices with USB-C ports, like modern laptops and smartphones.
• Near-field communication (NFC) security keys: These keys authenticate wirelessly with NFC-enabled devices, adding convenience for mobile users.
• Bluetooth security keys: These keys offer wireless authentication and are useful for devices without USB ports.

How do security keys work?

Security keys work by communicating with your device via USB or Bluetooth. Before using a security key for authentication, you must verify the compatibility of the service you are using, then register the key with the service. The key can then be used, along with your password, to log in to the service.

When you try logging in to a service that supports security keys, you will be prompted to insert or tap your security key to authenticate your identity. Security keys rely on public-key cryptography protocols such as FIDO U2F and FIDO2. These keys surpass traditional authentication methods by providing stronger protection against phishing attacks and credential theft.

Here is a breakdown of how security keys work:

• The key pair: The security key generates a unique public key and a unique private key. The public key is stored in the online service you are using, while the private key is stored within the hardware chip of the security key.
• Login initiation: When you log in to a service that supports security keys, you have to enter your username and password as usual.
• Challenge-response authentication: The service generates a unique challenge and sends it to the security key. Using its private key, the security key signs the challenge and sends the signed response to the service.
• Verification: The service verifies the signature using the public key stored in its system. If they match, access is granted.

This process eliminates the risk of attackers intercepting codes or compromising software-based authenticators. Even if they manage to steal your password, they won't be able to bypass the physical presence and cryptographic verification of security keys for computers and services.

Benefits of using security keys

• Enhanced security: Security keys offer significantly stronger protection compared to passwords. These keys are resistant to phishing attacks and other forms of unauthorized access.
• Ease of use: Many security keys offer one-tap login for compatible services, making the login process faster and more convenient.
• Compatibility: Security keys are compatible with a wide range of services, including popular platforms like Google, Facebook, and Dropbox.
• Portability: Security keys are compact and can easily be carried anywhere, providing secure access on the go.

Examples of security keys

The best security keys offer a combination of advanced cryptographic protocols, ease of use, compatibility with multiple devices and services, durability, and portability. Features such as support for FIDO2, NFC, and Bluetooth can significantly enhance security and the user experience.

Some of the security keys on the market include YubiKey 5 NFC, YubiKey 5 Nano, and Thetis FIDO U2F Security Key. These keys offer strong security, portability, and compatibility with a wide range of services.

Drawbacks of using security keys

• Loss or theft: Physical security keys might be lost or stolen often, blocking access to services until recovered.
• Cost: Security keys typically require an up-front purchase, unlike free solutions such as password managers.
• Compatibility issues: While most services support security keys, a lot more are not yet compatible, limiting the usability of security keys.
• Inconvenience: Unlike software-based solutions, security keys must be physically carried. If forgotten, logging in to services becomes problematic.

What if I lose my security key?

If your security key goes missing, follow these steps to regain access to your accounts:

• Initiate account recovery: Initiate the account recovery process provided by the service you're trying to access. This often involves answering security questions or providing identification.
• Access backup codes: If you saved backup codes when you first set up your security key, use them to access your account.
• Use alternative authentication methods: Check if you set up alternative authentication methods (such as SMS verification, authenticator apps, or email verification) that can help you regain access.
• Report the loss: If your security key was lost in a public place or stolen, consider reporting it to local authorities or your employer.
• Remove the lost key: Log in to your account and remove the lost security key from your list of authorized authentication methods. This can usually be done in the security or account settings section of the service.
• Add a new security key: Register a new security key for your account to replace the lost one. Ensure you have backup codes or alternative authentication methods in place as a precaution.

Enabling MFA with security keys through ADSelfService Plus

ADSelfService Plus is an identity security solution that provides adaptive MFA with support for a wide range of authenticators, including security keys like YubiKey and FIDO2 security keys. It integrates seamlessly with these security keys, enhancing your overall login security. ADSelfService Plus provides MFA for endpoints, cloud and on-premises applications, VPNs, and OWA. In addition to these features, it also provides self-service password management and enterprise SSO.

Conclusion

If you are looking to enhance your digital security and strengthen your authentication process, investing in a security key is an excellent decision. By protecting against phishing and other software-based attacks, a security key ensures that your accounts cannot be accessed by attackers, even if they are compromised.

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