Authentication for Apple devices is set to change soon. At the CES 2019 going on in Las Vegas, security firm ‘Yubico’ has indicated that their Security Keys, known as Yubikeys, which combine both hardware authentication, U2F, FIDO2 & public key encryption that are already popular with Windows & Android users, might soon be available for Apple devices.
This is facilitated by a new UBS – C port, which will be built into future versions of Apple computers (currently available on the new MacBook Air laptop) and Lightning connectors for mobile devices.
In the past, Apple users were forced to make do with security keys that connected to devices via near field communication (NFC) protocols such as bluetooth, which has proved unreliable & awkward because connections are often difficult to initiate & sustain.
YubiKey authentication is said to be super fast, reliable as well as, secure, & protects the user effectively from hackers. Basically, the key looks like a standard UBS dongle, & must be inserted into a UBS type port, & authenticated with a single touch, allowing the owner to gain access to sensitive data such as private emails, or data rich software.
If hackers want to steal data on a device which requires Secure Key authentication, they are denied access since they do not possess a necessary piece of the puzzle, which is not stored on the computer, but in a separate physical device, they cannot hack. Additionally, the Key, does not need any batteries or software to operate, making it a lightweight solution, which is simple to use & keep safe.
YubiKeys currently offer the highest form of security for accessing U2F & FIDO2 (protocols for enabling passwordless logins) , compliant services, such as Facebook, Twitter, & Github, & an ever increasing number of others.
The new key apparently has a 2 pronged interface, with 1 side for computer connections, & the other for mobile. Yubico is testing this new device on a select group of specifically invited users. Although the company has yet to release a launch date, we can be confident that this innovative device is going to make passwords a thing of the past in the near future. Authentication for Apple devices may not be the same again.
Image Credit: Yubico
