Microsoft makes available to all users different methods to protect access to Windows: PIN code, password, facial recognition, fingerprints, picture password and security key, the latter being the best way to protect the access to any PC.
But, not only is it the simplest and most comfortable way to protect access to our PC, but it is also the easiest way to access any online platform where it is necessary to enter the account data, in this way we can now forget about using a password manager.
In addition, it can also be used as a two-factor authentication device, to avoid having to wait on our mobile phone to receive an SMS or email with the corresponding code.
In the case of Windows, security keys generate an encrypted key associated with specific hardware and when inserted into any USB port on our computer they unlock access just like when we enter the PIN code, password or other method we use to block your access.
This type of device is ideal if we work in a shared workspace, since we prevent anyone in our environment from being able to notice the method we use to possibly know the PIN code, since it is the most used method in because of its speed.
If we want to move away from the team, we just have to remove the key to display the Windows lock screen. To regain access, you must re-enter the key. Depending on our needs, we must choose one model or another since not all of them allow us to store the same type of information.
If you want to know which are the best security keys to protect your equipment and store access credentials, we invite you to continue reading.
Yubico
The most popular and best known company in the world for the security keys that it offers us is Yubico. Yubico offers us different models of security keys with different functionalities to adapt to all user needs.
This manufacturer offers us models with connection USB-C and USB-A and all include an NFC chip for use with mobile devices. Only supports FIDO2/WebAuthn and FIDO U2F authentication protocols.
Thetis
Another interesting option as a security key is offered by the manufacturer Thethis with this security key that we can use in USB-A and USB-C ports using the corresponding adapter included.
In addition to protecting access to Windows, we can also use this key with any website using the U2F protocol. This certified for FIDO-U2f but not for UAF and OTP. Like the Yabicon model, it also includes NFC technology, which allows us to use it to authenticate on any platform with this key.
ChipNet
The Spanish company ChipNet makes the USB Security Key available to us through Amazon, a USB key that includes an adapter for USB-C ports. East compatible with FIDO2 and U2f and we can also use it as a method of double authentication through a browser on a large number of web pages.
It is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux and, unlike previous Thetis and Yubico models, this one does not include an NFC chip, so we cannot use it to identify them on a website or application using this key.
