What’s a hardware security key—and when do you use it?

What is a hardware security key, exactly?

In basic terms, hardware security keys are small physical devices that boost your online security by adding an extra layer of authentication. They work with two-factor (2FA) and multi-factor authentication systems, requiring you to physically insert them into your device or tap the key to confirm that it’s really you trying to log in. By making you perform a security step in the real world, these keys significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access by outsiders.

How do hardware security keys work?

Hardware security keys work by using cryptographic protocols to verify your identity. Here’s how it usually goes: you head over to the login page for your online account, enter your username and password, and then the system asks you for the hardware security key.

At this point, you either insert the key (usually into a USB port) or tap it if it’s already connected. This action generates a unique code or signature that confirms your identity. That’s it!

Because of this process, even if someone has your password and tries to use it, they won’t be able to access your account without that physical key.

Pros and cons of hardware security keys

Like many cybersecurity solutions out there, hardware security keys come with their share of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s dive into the pros and cons and see which side weighs more in the balance.

The benefits

• They are resistant to phishing: Hardware security keys are handy little gadgets that you plug into your device or interact with directly, making them super tough for hackers to bypass. So, even if someone manages to steal your password, they still won’t be able to get in without that physical hardware key.

• They are quite convenient: Unlike some other two-factor and multi-factor authentication methods, hardware security keys are really user-friendly and don’t require a lot of time or effort to access your account. Just think about it: with time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), for example, you have to open an authenticator app, read the code, and then copy and paste it or write it down on the login screen. It’s secure, but it involves a lot of steps. With a hardware security key, you just plug it in or push one button, et voilà—you’re in! This is still secure but way more convenient.

The drawbacks

• They’re not supported by all operating systems and websites: Right now, only a handful of apps and services accept hardware security keys as an authentication method. So, while you can easily use them to log in to your Google, Microsoft, Okta, or Amazon accounts, there are still plenty of places where you’ll need to use other methods.

• They do come with a price tag: While other authentication methods like TOTP codes, passwords, passkeys, and biometrics are free, hardware security keys will cost you. A single key can set you back anywhere from $20 to $80, and even the most expensive ones don’t work with every system or application out there.

• They can get lost: Since hardware security keys are physical objects—just like your house keys—it’s easy to misplace them. And if you lose one, you might end up locked out of your account until you find it again or can use another method to authenticate yourself (but only if that’s an option, of course).

What steps should I take if I misplace my hardware security key or if it’s stolen?

If you misplace your hardware security key or it gets stolen, the first thing you should do is revoke the key’s access to your account. To do this, log in using an alternative authentication method and go to your account settings to disable the hardware security key. After that, it’s a good idea to replace the lost or stolen key and update your security settings to ensure you’re using a different authentication method moving forward.

So, for instance, if you’ve been using a USB security key as your go-to multi-factor authentication method for NordPass, simply log in with another MFA option, such as a backup code. Once you’re in, just navigate to your Nord Account settings to adjust your MFA preferences or temporarily disable your hardware 2FA.

Use both a password manager and MFA to boost online security

Multi-factor authentication is a great way to keep your online accounts safe from unauthorized access. Each MFA method—whether it’s hardware security keys, TOTP codes, magic links, biometrics, or others—adds an extra layer of security. But if you really want to boost your online safety, combining MFA with a solid password manager like NordPass is the way to go. Why?

NordPass allows you to generate strong passwords on the spot and keeps them all safe in one encrypted vault. This means that the first authentication factor—your passwords—is well protected, significantly improving your overall online account security. But there’s more!

NordPass also supports various types of MFA, including hardware security keys, so you can add even more layers of protection to your password vault. Additionally, you can use NordPass as your go-to authentication app for TOTP codes when logging in to other websites and applications.

All of this shows that, with NordPass, you get a comprehensive solution that covers a lot of security bases at once. So, if you want to make sure your accounts are locked down tight, give NordPass a try and see the difference it can make.