What is a YubiKey?

Features

A YubiKey on a keyring.
  • A YubiKey is security device that plugs into a USB port
  • It generates a hard-to-crack, one-time password with just one touch
  • Powered by the USB port it has no battery inside, and lasts for 10 years or more
  • It can be shipped to the users via regular mail
  • It works on any operating system, any browser, on any computer with a USB port. No driver, no client software or middleware is needed
  • You can put it in your wallet just like another credit card, or string it on your key chain

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.

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.

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