What is a YubiKey?

Features

• Powered by the USB port, no battery inside, last for 10 years or more.
• Ship to the end customer via a regular mail.
• Platform independent, it works on any OS, any browser, any computer with a USB port. No driver, no client software or middleware are needed.
• Cost effective due to the minimal materials required.
• You can put that in the wallet just like another credit card or string it on your key chain.
• Identifies itself to the PC as a keyboard device.
• Generates a long one-time password with just one touch, long passwords mean they are harder to crack. And that goes automatically to your PC like from a keyboard so no matter how long it is, users don't feel the burden.

Questions and Answers

What do I do if my operating systems doesn't support Plug-n-Play?
If you have an older OS that does not support Universal Plug and Play, the first time you plug in a YubiKey you may be led to the driver installation process. In that case follow recommended steps in the pop-up box to install the HID (Human Interface Device) driver that is already inside Windows (or other OS) Updates.

On a Mac, a popup says "Keyboard not recognized" It is OK?
Ignore it and start using YubiKey.

Is the YubiKey a memory stick?
YubiKey is NOT a memory stick. It is a read-only crypto key that generates one-time passwords.

How do I know a YubiKey is connected to my PC properly?
See the green yellowish light ring lightens up? If so, it is ready to work.

How do I use it?
Touch gently and cover the light ring until the one-time password generated shown on your PC screen Do not press hard on the YubiKey button.

Is YubiKey OATH-Compliant?
Yes, Yubico works closely with VeriSign's VIP team to ensure OATH compliance.

How do you compare YubiKey to software tokens?
YubiKey as a read-only crypto key, is tamper-proof. Software and passive data stored on a PC are always vulnerable to tampering and virus. And the myth that software is free is incorrect, patching and release management, platform dependency, problem diagnosis all cost heavy technical support.

How physically robust is YubiKey?
YubiKey's USB connector material is more robust than smart card's metal part. It is water-proof and won't break even when it is run over by a truck.

Do I need system administrator right to use YubiKey?
No. But, if your PC is locked up by your company to disallow new USB devices to be connected to it, you will then need your corporate IT administrator to grant you the rights or connect YubiKey to your PC for you for the first time. It is one-time only.