YubiKey FAQ – How Does YubiKey Work? | A: Our physical security keys

YubiKey is a physical security key that is designed to help users protect their online accounts from unauthorized access. With YubiKey, your account can only be accessed when the physical key is inserted into the USB port of a computer. This ensures that no one but you can gain access to your account, even if someone has your username and password. YubiKey Support provides a detailed explanation of how YubiKey works and the necessary steps for setting up this extra layer of security for your online accounts.

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Can YubiKey be cloned?
YubiKey is a hardware-based security token that provides two-factor authentication (2FA) to help protect user accounts from unauthorized access. YubiKeys are designed with security in mind and have several built-in security features to prevent cloning or duplication of the keys.
YubiKeys use a secure element to store the cryptographic keys used for authentication, and this element is designed to be tamper-resistant. This means that it is difficult, if not impossible, to extract the private keys from the device, making it challenging for attackers to create a cloned YubiKey.
Furthermore, YubiKeys also employs a unique identity (UID) that is embedded in the device’s hardware during the manufacturing process. The UID is used to verify the authenticity of the YubiKey and prevent cloning attempts.
That being said, it’s important to note that no security solution is foolproof, and there is always a small risk of vulnerability or exploit. However, YubiKeys are generally considered to be a highly secure form of authentication and are widely used by businesses, organizations, and individuals around the world.

Are YubiKeys waterproof?
Yes, many YubiKey models are designed to be water-resistant or even waterproof, making them suitable for use in environments where they may be exposed to water or other liquids.
For example, the YubiKey 5 NFC and the YubiKey 5C NFC have an IP67 rating, which means they are dust-tight and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes without being damaged. The YubiKey 5 Nano and the YubiKey 5C Nano also have an IP67 rating.
It’s important to note, however, that while YubiKeys are designed to be water-resistant, they are not completely waterproof and should not be used for extended periods underwater. Additionally, exposure to other liquids, such as corrosive chemicals, may damage the device.
If you need a YubiKey that is specifically designed for use in harsh environments, you may want to consider the YubiKey 5Ci, which has a ruggedized metal casing and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, drops, and water exposure.

How do I activate my YubiKey?
The activation process for a YubiKey can vary depending on the specific model and the service or application you want to use it with. In general, however, the

following steps will help you activate your YubiKey:

1. Plug in your YubiKey to a USB port on your computer or mobile device.
2. If prompted, enter your password or PIN to unlock your device.
3. Open the application or service you want to use your YubiKey with and navigate to the security settings or two-factor authentication settings.
4. Select the option to enable two-factor authentication and choose “YubiKey” as your authentication method.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to register your YubiKey with the service. This may involve entering the serial number or scanning the QR code on the YubiKey.
6. Once your YubiKey is registered, you may be prompted to press the button on the YubiKey to complete the activation process.
   After activation, you should be able to use your YubiKey to log in to the service or application you have registered it with. When prompted for two-factor authentication, simply plug in your YubiKey and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

How does YubiKey generate OTP?
YubiKey generates One-Time Passwords (OTP) using a combination of hardware and software to ensure security and prevent tampering.

When a user inserts their YubiKey into a device, the YubiKey communicates with the device using a protocol called the Yubico OTP protocol. The device sends a challenge to the YubiKey, which the YubiKey then encrypts using a secret key that is stored on the YubiKey’s secure element.

The YubiKey then generates a response that includes the encrypted challenge and other data, such as a unique identifier for the YubiKey. This response is sent back to the device, which can then verify the authenticity of the YubiKey and the user’s identity.

The YubiKey can generate several types of OTP, including Yubico OTP, OATH-HOTP, and OATH-TOTP. Yubico OTP is a proprietary protocol developed by Yubico, while OATH-HOTP and OATH-TOTP are open standards for two-factor authentication.

YubiKey’s OTP generation process is designed to be highly secure and resistant to attacks such as replay attacks or man-in-the-middle attacks. By generating OTP using a secure element and encryption, YubiKey ensures that only the authorized user and device can access the protected service or application.