Security Key

Security Keys are physical USB devices that are used as a secure and reliable way to identify a person during system login. The recommended security key is from Yubikey. These come in multiple sizes and feature sets, but any of them will work with our corporate identity login system. Any device that supports the FIDO U2F standard might work, but in testing there have been compatibility and quality issues with other brands.

A USB Security Key is different than a USB thumb drive, although they are also inserted into a USB slot. For more technical details about how a USB Security Key works, please see the Yubikey website.

To use it for 2SV when logging in, you simply insert it into your computer and touch its button. No client software or drivers need to be installed, no batteries, no moving parts. They cost in the range of $15 to $20 USD.

If you choose to use a security key, you need to initially register this device with your identity profile.

Common Questions

  • How can I acquire a USB Security Key (Yubikey)

The process of acquiring a YubiKey will vary based on your location. If you are able to order from Amazon, that is usually the easiest and lowest cost option. When searching Amazon for “yubikey”, filter the results to the brand “Yubico”. Here is a direct link for amazon.com Yubico products. You can search for other vendors who may offer the same security key for less. The most popular model is the blue one (. It is tough and resilient and can survive going through the laundry or being driven over with a car.

If you are not able to shop with Amazon, you can also try to purchase through the Yubico store or by searching for a reseller in your area.

  • Can a security key be used with more than one identity?

Yes. It can also be used for other systems such as Facebook, etc

  • How can I configure Firefox to work with my security key?

Firefox has begun supporting USB Security Keys but only after a configuration setting is turned on. To do this:

  1. Open Firefox

  2. Enter “about:config” in the URL field

  3. Either scroll down to or search for “security.webauth.u2f”. (The value is probably “false”)

  4. If the value is “false”, double-click the line which should change the value to “true”

  5. Restart Firefox

The only USB security key that works consistently with Firefox are those from Yubikey. Others may or may not. If your device doesn’t work, you will need to use Chrome.