You might have gone through the pain of losing your credentials online. That is why we center the discussion on two security keys, the Yubikey and RSA, and see what they offer you.
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. For instance, waking up one day and discovering that or you continue to go through the burden of changing your passwords every few months to ensure your own internet security.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).
In this article, we take a look at two U2F security systems. They each have their advantages and disadvantages, so we will have a comparison for both. Ultimately, the final decision will be yours, depending on your needs.
What are the differences between Yubikeyvs.RSA? How do they compare?
| Model | Yubikey | RSA |
| Compatibility | Any FIDO compliant site, including Chrome | N/A |
| Protection system | U2F security key | Security tokens |
| Click here | Click here |
Yubikey vs. RSA – what are the differences?
Working mechanism
RSA security tokens are rather prominent in the online protection discussion space, as they have a reputation of reliability and performance. These models today come in form of tokens, which you can use to generate new OTPs (One time passwords) after every 60 seconds, therefore increasing the security of your account.
The Yubikey operates in a different way, as it uses U2F technology. The key also includes USB for the desktop experience and NFC for the mobile users, making it easy for you to use it regardless of the device you prefer.
User experience
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 approach of RSA is different from the usual approach of having one password take care of your online accounts –and increasing the risk of unauthorized people accessing it. With new codes, your password continues to change, and reduces the risk of someone accessing your information.
Extra functions
There are additionally extra functions you can get, which include email signing, encryption of hard disks, and 2FA (two factor authentication). This reduces your online security costs greatly, at least in the long term. The battery life of the hardware tokens is also impressive, and it increases the security of your authentication approach.
In the Yubikey, we note was that the key includes USB for the desktop experience and NFC for the mobile users, making it easy for you to use it regardless of the device you prefer. The main information that regards the use and any other questions you may have is on the main Yubico website, and you will get everything you need from there as well as the applications it works well with.
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 keys include Yubikey 5 NFC, 5C, 5 Nano and Security key NFC.
You only need to register, a very easy process, then tap the key to authenticate your account.
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
- Needs some extra steps when setting it up
- It fails to work with Office 365
RSA
You can select between two token devices – the RSA SecurID 800, and the RSA SecurID 700. They both have similar build and features, although the 800 has a USB connection and can be useful in storing digital certificates and Windows credentials.
For as long as you want, you can register to generate tokens for 48, 24, 60 and 36 months.You can change the mode of generating passwords according to your needs, such as modifying the six-figure code to reveal four digits, or changing the time frame you can use to generate passwords.
Pros
- Very high levels of security, because of changing the OTP
- Reliable and durable build, as well as functionality
Cons
- Pricey
Final thoughts
For purposes of ease of access, the Yubikey is the most accessible and secure authentication system, as it works well with a variety of protocols. However, if you do not wish to let go of your passwords, the RSA token might be a great alternative for you.
FAQs
What is the advantage of using U2F keys over 2FA authentication methods?
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.
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 what you use. 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 the key into a USB port briefly, then tap the button.
What happens when the security key gets lost?
The process of setting up the key, especially in U2F, 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.
What if it gets stolen?
The person who steals the key cannot access your account unless they know your password, which the key does not have (it only stores digital certificates, which do not have login information).
Do you need a separate key for each account?
No, you can use one key for multiple accounts.