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Technology has since grown past just the use of usernames and passwords to secure your account against attackers.

What-is-two-factor-authentication

What is two-factor authentication?

What are authentication factors?

Authentication simply requires you to provide proof of identity before granting access to a user.

What-are-authentication-factors

Methods of Authentication

There are various methods of authentication used in offering two-factor authentication.

You could find some systems built with multiple authentication methods and others with single methods.

In this section, we will closely examine the various authentication methods used in 2FA.

Screenshot-2023-10-01-at-23.52.39

A critical factor in the adoption of biometrics is mainly dependent on hardware.

These authenticator apps help mitigate some of the challenges when using methods like SMS notifications that can be hacked.

#6.Security key

These are physical devices that are required in the process of authentication.

Galicia, Spain; April 1, 2022: Yubikey hardware key on laptop. Yubikey is a hardware authentication device manufactured by Yubico

They are similar to the door and key system.

How do hardware security keys work?

Hardware security keys are used as an additional authentication method in two-factor authentication.

Yubico - YubiKey 5C NFC - Two-Factor authentication (2FA) Security Key, Connect via USB-C or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts

Once that is done, navigate to parameters, locate two-factor authentication, and activate your key.

You will be required to insert or tap the rig to activate it.

Below are some security keys that are available on Amazon to help secure your accounts.

OnlyKey FIDO2 / U2F Security Key and Hardware Password Manager | Universal Two Factor Authentication | Portable Professional Grade Encryption | PGP/SSH/Yubikey OTP | Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android

It is FIDO-certified and works on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Also supports touch-based applications for NFC on Android and iOS devices.

Yubikey 5C NFC is water-resistant, dust-tight, crush-resistant, and tamper-resistant.

FEITIAN BioPass K26 Plus - USB Security Key - Two Factor Authenticator - USB-C with FIDO U2F + FIDO2, PIV - Biometric Fingerprinting - Help Prevent Account Takeovers with Multi-Factor Authentication

It supports multiple platforms, such as Windows, Linux, Mac OS, and Android.

OnlyKey is built to be highly durable, waterproof, and tamper-resistant.

Hideez Key 4 eliminates the traditional means of SMS-based 2FA with FIDO U2F and FIDO2 passwordless access.

Octatco EzFinger2+ Black – Fingerprint FIDO2, U2F Security Key – Works with Windows Hello, Google, Office 365 and Many More Platforms - Fast and Secure Two-Factor/Passwordless Authentication

It can also be used to open RFID doors and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Android.

Thetis Universal two-factor authentication USB guarantees a strong-factor authentication to your account, protecting you against any attack.

It uses ECDSA SHA Standard/SHA-256 to generate 256-bit hash length characters, making your account an impenetrable fortress.

Hideez Key 4: FIDO2/U2F Security Key for Passwordless Sign-in & 2FA (Windows,Linux,Android) +Password Vault, OTP Generator, Smart Lock (Windows). Bundle with Bluetooth Adapter

Security keys provide easy and secure access to your account.

These keys are usually built to be compact and durable and can be carried around easily.

Final thoughts

Security is very important when it comes to managing data over the internet.

FIDO2 Security Key [Folding Design] Thetis Universal Two Factor Authentication USB (Type A) for Multi-Layered Protection (HOTP) in Windows/Linux/Mac OS,Gmail,Facebook,Dropbox,SalesForce,GitHub

Hence, it is essential to maintain adequate measures to ensure that cases of possible breaches are averted.

Hardware security keys are not the holy grail, but they do absolutely well compared to othermulti-factor authenticationmethods.

Yubico YubiKey 5C - Two Factor Authentication USB Security Key, Fits USB-C Ports - Protect Your Online Accounts with More Than a Password, FIDO Certified

FIDO2 U2F Security Key Passkey Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) USB Key PIN+Touch (Non-Biometric) USB-A Type TrustKey T110