6 Best USB Security Key in 2024

App-based two factor authentication using a smartphone is usually more secure for protecting your data than relying on only passwords. However, it can take time to set up and use. Once you have successfully deployed the 2-factor security key, it will provide you a more secure way to keep your data and files secured on your smartphone.

These security protocols are dependent on the FIDO U2F standard, which is very difficult to override. This security system was first deployed by security firm Yubico and Google but currently used by the FIDO alliance.

Although Yubico had a major role in developing the standard, there are many other companies using the security protocol now, which gives you a lot of options when choosing a 2-factor authentication key. But before you choose the security key you want to buy, you need to find out which one will be ideal for the device you plan to protect. With that information, you can go shopping for the best USB 2 factor security key.

Our main focus here is to present the best USB security keys. In the end, you should be able to select the right one that will be perfect for your device. Let’s look at the 7 best security keys available for your file protection.

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1) Qkey Smart Key

With the Qkey smart key, you can choose either the 2-factor or 3-factor protection through USB C port. It makes use of military-grade protection protocols, offering your device maximum security protection. It is designed in the form of physical secured protection with a security chip, including a smart sensor for confirmation of the physical presence of the user. It also includes a master password that gains access to the key.

The working protocol of the key is not simple to understand but it’s simple to use. It comes with an enhanced microchip that secures any payment transactions online. If you want to protect your login info and passwords, you can use the secure password feature to do so. The portability of the digital password makes it even more convenient to carry anywhere you go.

As a USB device, you won’t have issues safekeeping the password. As long as your device or computer has a USB device, it will be convenient to use. All you need to do is insert it into the USB C port to securely execute your desired web transactions with peace of mind.

The USB security key has a strong security chip that offers maximum protection to your web transactions. With this security key, you can confidently say goodbye to cybercrime.

Buy it now: Here

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2) FIDO U2F Security Key

This is another effective two factor authentication key that helps you keep your transactions secure. It uses the FIDO U2f security keys standard, which is used by many security keys. When it comes to securing your device, this is one of the safest options you can get.

It works with NCF or USB-A and provides good compatibility with several services. This security authentication key is compatible with services such as 1Password, LastPass, Dropbox, Facebook, as well as Google Chrome.

Another interesting feature is the fact that it’s waterproof, so you won’t have issues when it mistakenly touches water.

It is light, durable, and compact, in addition to its primary role of offering protection to your device and transactions.

This two factor authentication security key allows you to protect your online accounts against unauthorized access. Its versatility is another talking point here, as it can be used with any FIDO-compliant application on Linux, macOS, or Windows.

With this hardware security key, you get the same strong security and asymmetric cryptography used by individuals at most of the top technology companies. The company partnered with Microsoft and Google to create the FIDO2 and FIDO U2F protocols. With the use of this security key, firms have seen zero successful phishing attempts.

This security key is certified and works perfectly with Google Chrome as well as other FIDO-compliant applications.

The durable folding design allows you to easily keep the key securely until whenever you need it. This security key will offer protection when accessing websites as long as you’re using Opera or Google as a browser on Linux, macOS, or Windows. It is one of the best hardware security keys available right now.

Buy it now: Here

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3) HyperFIDO Titanium PRO FIDO2 Security Key

If you are looking for the security key that offers support for OATH-compliance HOTP, FIDO2, and FIDO U2f protocols, this USB security key is one of the best hardware security keys for you.

It increases hardware security when you connect through the USB port while reducing the dependence of passwords. With this security key, you have no need to use passwords that may be easy to hack. All you have to do is enter the proper PIN and press the button to sign in.

The authentication protocol of this one is an open-source protocol known as CTAP on the authentication side and WebAuthn on the server-side. This means there is no administration cost for managing authentication support or yearly licensing fees for authentication services.

When you make use of the security key via the Windows Edge web browser, Windows Hello provides support for the FIDO2 protocol.

Juke like other top security keys, this one offers support for the FIDO U2F protocols such as Dropbox, Twitter, Gmail, as well as Facebook.

If the most important thing for you is solid build quality for your security key, this HyperFIDO model will be a great option for you. It is designed with a near-indestructible titanium metal chassis that features a LED indicator and attaches to a keychain. It is one of the best security keys you can find for your device protection at the moment.

Buy it now: Here

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4) Yubico – YubiKey 5 NFC

Although the Yubico key is not the most affordable, it is one of the best for users of android devices. However, it’s compatible with several devices as well. A list of the compatible protocol range includes OpenPGP, Smart Card, OTP, as well as FIDO U2F.

However, Yubikey 5 NFC is not compatible with iPhone devices. So, if you want to use the security key on the iPhone device, we suggest you look at other security keys here that are compatible.

Apart from this single compatibility issue with the iPhone, other features are great. It is crush-resistant, water-resistant, and quite durable.

It is completely certified and works with any FIDO-compliant application on Linux, Mac OS, or Windows.

Once you have registered the Yubikey security keys, the service will ask you to insert the YubiKey 5 FC security key in the USB C port to be granted access. Another interesting feature is the touch-based smart card authentications for NFC supported iOS and Android applications. All you need to do is simply tap the button and you singed in and fully protected.

Buy it now: Here

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5) Yubico YubiKey 5Ci

The Yubico hardware security keys are perfect for users of both Apple and USB C devices. The 5Ci comes with both USB-C and Lightning ports, which has been called the first of its kind by the makers. It’s certainly a claim we cannot refute.

It is a FIDO compliant and compatible with applications on Linux, macOS, Windows, and iOS. Its compatibility is one of the reasons the hardware security key is very popular. YubiKey 5CI provides access to services like 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass, Outlook, Dropbox, Facebook, Gmail, and lots more.

Although it’s a bit on the expensive side compared with other competing models, YubiKey’s multi-protocol support for FIDO2 and other protocols as well as its versatility makes it one of the best security keys in the market right now.

Its multi-protocol support covers OpenPGP, OATH-HOTP, OATH-TOHP, Yubico OTP, as well as FIDO U2F.

It is also FIDO certified and works well with Google Chrome and other FIDO compliant applications on Linux, macOS, or Windows. With this key, you can protect several of your accounts across different services like Dropbox, Facebook, and Gmail.

In terms of the Lightning connector, it is presently compatible with several applications right now. Its dual connector feature is a unique one in the security key category.

Buy it now: Here

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6) CryptoTrust OnlyKey

As its name implies, Crypto Trust is a distinct security key compared to its competitors in the industry. That’s because of its onboard keypad used in bypassing keyloggers that find their way into computers. If a website or computer is infiltrated, this security key can protect your online accounts.

If the safety of your online accounts is of immense importance to you, having a security key like this one will offer superior protection. You may earn all the security rights reserved for the USB security keys when you own CryptoTrust OnlyKey.

It offers support for multiple methods of two factor authentication, which includes TOTP, Yubico TOTP, Yubico OTP, as well as FIDO 2 U2F. Additionally, it provides features like ease of updating the firmware to access new features, self-destruct after a certain number of failed attempts, and encrypted backup.

The USB two factor authentication security keys from KryptoTrust are perfect for those with different accounts online. With the USB key you can protect all your online accounts even when the service has been compromised on the web.

However, the only downside is the user interface, which is a bit more difficult to master. Apart from this negative side, the USB two factor authentication is one of the best you can get if your goal is to secure your online accounts.

Buy it now: Here

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