Device security company Yubico has launched its first dual security key compatible with the Lightning port for iPhones and USB-C ports.
YubiKey 5Ci is a physical security key that users can plug into their devices to safely log in to apps. It simplifies the login process since it doesn't require any complicated passwords or two-step authentication codes to be entered.
Yubico said YubiKey 5Ci can be used along with popular password managers such as LastPass and 1Password straight out of the box.
The security key is available for only $70.
"The YubiKey 5Ci fills a critical gap in the mobile authentication ecosystem," said Jerrod Chong, Chief Solutions Officer at Yubico.
"It is the first iOS-friendly security key on the market to offer strong, yet simple authentication over a Lightning connection, while still delivering a unified experience across other mobile, desktop or laptop devices."
How To Use YubiKey 5Ci
To activate the YubiKey 5Ci security key, users only need to plug in the device to their iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks. They would then have to log into their password manager of choice and retrieve their password.
YubiKey 5Ci is compatible with most known password managing systems available such as Bitwarden, Dashlane, Idaptive, LastPass, Okta, and 1Password.
Yubico's device can also be used together with the Brave browser for iOS. Owners can use it to access Brave-supported websites such as Bitbucket.org, GitHub.com, Login.gov, Twitter.com, and 1Password.com. It also supports the latest software development kits for XTN and Monkton Rebar apps.
The makers of the YubiKey 5Ci security key is also working with other iOS app and browser developers to provide a wider support for devices. Some of the companies that will soon offer support for Yubico's device include Dropbox, Keeper Security, and SecMaker.
USB-C Compatibility
YubiKey 5Ci authentication is also compatible with most USB-C capable devices. The security key can be plugged into the USB-C port of laptops or mobile devices to safely access various applications and services such as 101domain, AuthLite, Authlogistics, AuthStack, AwardWallet, AWS Identity Access Management, BitBay, and Bitbucket.
However, Yubico said the YubiKey 5Ci key cannot be used with iPad Pro models even though they have a USB-C port available.
The security device offers support for the iPhone's Lightning port as well. Unfortunately, users will have to add the feature to each of their apps individually.
Other limitations of the YubiKey 5Ci security key includes non-support for Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) authentication, which is used by most modern Android devices.
Those who aren't sold on YubiKey 5Ci just yet can still opt for Yubico's YubiKey 5 NFC. It offers pretty much the same security feature as the newer product, albeit it is compatible only with USB-A ports. It is also much cheaper, costing only $45 apiece.
