If you happen to be in the search for a protective method for your online accounts, you may try a variety of methods. However, few work as well as U2F keys – such as these two, Yubikey vs. Onlykey.
It is a good thing when you begin to question your online security. In fact, it is not a surprise that online security continues to dominate discussions in the global communication sector today. After all, studies are increasingly showing that passwords are a very weak way of ensuring your security, as a malicious person on the internet can guess them and access your account.
Developers are now coming up with various ways to stop this, with the 2FA method (where you get a message or a unique code on your phone) and the U2F (the most secure option).
What are the differences between Yubikey and Onlykey? How do they compare?
| Key model | Yubikey | Onlykey |
| Security system | U2F | U2F/2FA |
| Dimensions (inches) | 0.71 x 0.12 x 1.77 | 0.7 x 0.2 x 2.0 |
| Compatibility | Any FIDO-compliant site, including Chrome | Any application/website with passwords of 56 characters |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Check here | Check here |
Yubikey vs. Onlykey review – What are the differences?
How they work
Regardless of how frequently you change your passwords, you might not realize that they are a major part of the security problem, especially when you use them alone to authenticate your identity on the internet. If a malicious person decides they want to access your account, they only need to take a few guesses, then gain access to all your information – confidential or otherwise.
Both of them are U2F keys, and the differences are not many – although the Yubikey adds an element of NFC to enhance the mobile experience of the users.
Access
The Onlykey supports two form factors, the NFC/Bluetooth/USB, and the USB/NFC. If you have a mobile device, you can use it as well due to the NFC/Bluetooth interface.However, the Yubikey only uses FIDO to store your digital certificates and access your account, rather than the typical password system that risks hacking (unless you use a two-factor authentication system as a backup).
Compatibility
They are all very good at working with numerous protocols and platforms, such as through their tap-and-go authentication with Windows 10 devices and Android applications. You only need to register, a very easy process, then tap the key to authenticate your account. The only thing is that the site must be compliant with FIDO standards.
However, the Onlykey can work with whatever website that you want to access, as long as the password is of 56 characters (which applies to numerous cases).
Onlykey
The implementation of the famous FIDO standards for the 2FA system in the key goes a long way to enhance security. This is through the use of cryptography that confirms the security key of the individual user as well as the login page’s address.
In fact, the key comes with a built-in hardware chip – which means you are assured your key is legitimate and no one has tampered with it. The chips that are used in the hardware components have a design that resists physical attacks. It also eases the process of logging in to these accounts, as you need that key to authenticate each of them without the use of a password.
Pros
- Guarantees high protection for your account
- Durable build and great design
Cons
- The support for numerous protocols is not present, as it only fully supports FIDO
Yubikey
There is not one specific Yubikey key, as there are several in the series. Overall, though, the series is proving to be very popular among many, even for those that are just starting in the online security space. The main information that regards the use and any other questions you may have is on the main Yubico website.
Pros
- Great process of setting up, which is really easy
- Supports many protocols
- Works very well when using NFC to connect to mobile devices
Cons
- It fails to work with Office 365
Conclusion
Even though your choice will ultimately depend on what you want, the Onlykey will come out on top because of its versatility in use.
FAQs
What is the advantage of using U2F keys over 2FA authentication methods?
While 2FA proves be to a more useful security method than a password, it does have its own inherent issues, which hackers have exploited to the maximum.
2FA, especially when it relies on text messages for authentication codes, can also be compromised when a hacker uses social engineering to break into your messages.U2F is the most reliable, as it allows you to access multiple accounts without the need of a password or exposure risks, all through the use of one device. Many browsers are turning to the method to authenticate their users, such as Chrome and social media sites like Facebook.
How do you use a security key?
The use of the key is not as difficult as it may seem on the surface, regardless of whether you deal in Yubikey or Nitrokey Pro. The key will basically work as a second factor authentication, and some keys will allow you to retain your passwords as well.After you log in through the usual process, you insert thekey into a USB port briefly, then tap the button.
What happens when the U2F key gets lost?
The process of setting up the key also allows you to select backup methods you can use just in case. For instance, the use of authenticator apps, or OTP (One time password) codes and extra U2F keys.
Is the U2F security key a biometric device?
This really depends on the model that you use. In certain models, you might need to tap thegold disk or button on the top of the security key so that you activate it, for instance, with the Yubikey. However, itis important to note that U2F keys are not a replacement of biometric methods of authentication; when you want to activate it, you tap it to make a small electric charge.
What if the key gets stolen?
The person who steals the key cannot access your account unless they know your password, which the key does not have.