You can see the 2 thin prongs on the side of the key. The Lighting connection is a relatively new feature among YubiKey. Services such as password managers, cloud storage, domain registrars, social media and even gaming accounts (like Epic) are able to be set up with security keys.

The good news is that the number of services that utilize YubiKeys is vast and growing. The initial setup is, by far, the most time-consuming aspect of owning a security key. In many cases, it’s faster than accessing the text message or app, and is much more secure. So rather than having to type in or paste a code from a text or authentication app, plugging in the key and activating it does this step for you. With an authentication key, the second authorization factor is a small physical device that you can plug into a USB or Lightning port, or by holding your NFC enabled smartphone close to the key. Basically, in addition to your login and password, the second form of authentication is generated on a device that only you can access and not a potential hacker. Typically this comes in the form of inputting a code sent to a cell phone or, if you have an Authenticator set up with that account, typing in the code from that application. 2FA, short for two-factor authentication, is an extra layer of security for logging into an account on an untrusted device or computer. You might be asking yourself what this two-fah thing is. I feel like before getting into the review of this specific YubiKey 5Ci, I should write a little explainer of what a 2FA security key is used for. Device Type: FIDO HID Device, CCID Smart Card, HID Keyboard.

Cryptographic Specifications: RSA 2048, RSA 4096 (PGP), ECC p256, ECC p384.

Certifications: FIDO 2 Certified, FIDO Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) Certified.

Function: WebAuthn, FIDO2 CTAP1, FIDO2 CTAP2, Universal 2nd Factor (U2F), Smart card (PIV-compatible), Yubico OTP, OATH – HOTP (Event), OATH – TOTP (Time), Open PGP, Secure Static Password.

Design & Durability: No Batteries Required, No Moving Parts.

Authentication Methods: Passwordless, Strong Two Factor, Strong Multi-Factor.

The 5Ci can connect to any USB-C or Lightning port, so any newer MacBook, iPad, Android phone or iPhone.

Yubikey 5ci keychain