Yubico New YubiKey 5 FIPS Series Enables Passwordless Authentication

You can choose from six different YubiKey models in the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series, depending on your needs. The keychain model is designed to go anywhere on a keychain. The Nano model (pictured her) is small enough to stay in the USB port of your computer.  Multiple form factors with support for USB-A, USB-C, NFC and Lightning.
You can choose from six different YubiKey models in the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series, depending on your needs. The keychain model is designed to go anywhere on a keychain. The Nano model (pictured her) is small enough to stay in the USB port of your computer.  Multiple form factors with support for USB-A, USB-C, NFC and Lightning.

Yubico, a leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, and an ‘ASTORS’ Winner in the last Three ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, has introduces its next-generation FIPS security keys: the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series.

This newest product line is the industry’s first set of multi-protocol security keys with support for FIDO2 and WebAuthn, along with smart card (PIV/CAC), to receive FIPS 140-2 validation, Overall Level 1 and Level 2.

The addition of the YubiKey 5 NFC, YubiKey 5C NFC, and YubiKey 5Ci into the FIPS series lineup significantly expands coverage for mobile-first environments that many organizations have been waiting for.

This combination of desktop and mobile functionality allows U.S. government agencies and contractors, as well as other highly-regulated entities, to modernize their existing authentication framework and achieve phishing-resistant passwordless authentication for all users.

“We are delighted to see Yubico’s continued commitment to the federal market with the introduction of the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series,” shared Treasury Enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (TEICAM), U.S. Treasury Department.

“We certainly understand how difficult it is to go through these certification processes, but the Yubico team has shown an unwavering understanding for our evolving needs, particularly during this pandemic.”

“Yubico is a partner that consistently goes above and beyond to support their clients, so we’re thrilled to celebrate this great progress today!”

You can choose from different YubiKey models depending on your needs. The keychain model is designed to go anywhere on a keychain. The Nano model is small enough to stay in the USB port of your computer. Multiple form factors with support for USB-A, USB-C, NFC and Lightning.
You can choose from different YubiKey models depending on your needs. The keychain model is designed to go anywhere on a keychain. The Nano model is small enough to stay in the USB port of your computer. Multiple form factors with support for USB-A, USB-C, NFC and Lightning.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shift to remote hybrid work, the public sector like many other industries, has been tasked with accelerating their path to digital transformation by months, and even years.

With this digital transformation comes the added challenge to not only modernize existing infrastructures, but to adequately secure them from afar.

The YubiKey 5 FIPS Series enables agencies to navigate this transition period with ease, working in parallel with existing strong authentication methods like Personal Identity Verification (PIV) and Common Access Cards (CAC) to extend phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) to non PIV/CAC eligible employees and contractors, remote workers, Bring Your Own Approved Device (BYOAD) mobile users, and even mobile-restricted environments.

Suresh Thiru, Chief Product Officer at Yubico
Suresh Thiru, Chief Product Officer at Yubico

“Our customers are struggling with the stressful and complex task of finding ways to bridge the gap between legacy and modern infrastructures while maintaining compliance,” explained Suresh Thiru, Chief Product Officer, Yubico.

“The YubiKey 5 FIPS Series puts many of these common concerns to rest.”

“Unlike mobile-based authenticators, these keys defend against phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks with proven success rates, while being flexible enough to support an organization’s entire authentication lifecycle.”

The YubiKey 5 FIPS Series introduces several key enhancements:

FIDO2 and WebAuthn support enables the bridge to passwordless

  • Most notably, the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series now includes FIDO2 and WebAuthn, supporting both legacy and modern environments and offering the bridge to secure passwordless workflows.

  • With support for several other protocols such as smart card (PIV), FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, and OATH HOTP, it enables organizations to achieve strong authentication across legacy and modern technologies and devices.

Additional form factors support mobile users

The YubiKey 5 FIPS Series is certified at FIPS 140-2, Overall Level 1 and Level 2, and in addition, has achieved Physical Security Level 3; the YubiKey 5 FIPS series is able to meet the requirements for Authenticator Assurance Level 3 (AAL3) as defined in NIST SP800-63B.
The YubiKey 5 FIPS Series is certified at FIPS 140-2, Overall Level 1 and Level 2, and in addition, has achieved Physical Security Level 3; the YubiKey 5 FIPS series is able to meet the requirements for Authenticator Assurance Level 3 (AAL3) as defined in NIST SP800-63B.
  • The latest YubiKey FIPS lineup is now available across a wide range of form factors including support for USB-A, USB-C, NFC and Lightning, enabling FIPS-validated trusted authentication for mobile users and modern devices.

  • Three new form factors include the YubiKey 5 NFC FIPS, YubiKey 5C NFC FIPS, and the YubiKey 5Ci FIPS, which is the industry’s first FIPS-validated, Lightning supported, multi-protocol security key specifically designed for iOS devices.

  • In total, the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series is available in six different form factors.

Upgraded firmware benefits specific business scenarios

  • Based on firmware 5.4.2, this marks a major upgrade from three years ago when the original YubiKey FIPS Series was launched with firmware 4.4.5.

  • The new firmware offers enhanced encryption and smart card (PIV) management capabilities including tighter integrations with CMS services, secure remote provisioning, secure channel communication, and expanded methods for smart card/PIV management.

The YubiKey 5 FIPS Series is certified at FIPS 140-2, Overall Level 1 and Level 2, and in addition, has achieved Physical Security Level 3; the YubiKey 5 FIPS series is able to meet the requirements for Authenticator Assurance Level 3 (AAL3) as defined in NIST SP800-63B.

Yubico’s FIPS product lineup is manufactured using stringent processes and a secure supply chain for trustworthy components, ensuring strong security and regulatory compliance for the most security-conscious organizations.

The series is available for purchase on the Yubico store, through Yubico’s dedicated sales team, or from any Yubico-approved channel partners and resellers.

To Learn More about the new YubiKey 5 FIPS Series, please visit the Yubico website.

(In November 2019, the Government of Nunavut was the victim of a sophisticated spear phishing attack, which ultimately led to ransomware that took down critical servers, phone lines, and applications. The Government of Nunavut looked to rebuild their infrastructure and regain trust by leveraging Microsoft’s Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and M365 solutions. Protecting identities and access to applications and services became the top priority. Courtesy of Yubico and YouTube. Posted on Mar 2, 2021.)

Yubico Brings Home the Gold in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program

American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is now in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.

2020 was a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC had to be canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.

Mike Madsen, Publisher, American Security Today
Mike Madsen, Publisher, American Security Today

However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’  Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.

Yubico

Best Cyber Security Solution

  • YubiKey 5C NFC

  • With billions of stolen credentials on the illegal market and rampant phishing scams, secure logins are a must-have feature on modern devices, including mobile.

The YubiKey 5C NFC is the world’s first multi-protocol security key with smart card support, designed with both near-field communication (NFC) and USB-C connections on a single device.
  • Today, the strongest form of account protection is offered by hardware authenticators, which provides the best defense against phishing in combination with a seamless user experience.

  • In fact, a recent Google study found that hardware security keys were the only method to stop account takeovers 100% of the time.

  • The Yubikey 5C NFC is one of the most long-awaited and top-requested keys among the Yubico community.

  • Now that modern work-flows typically involve moving between devices to complete tasks and access applications, the YubiKey 5C NFC is the all-in-one security key that provides users with flexible authentication options across modern devices.

  • The YubiKey 5C NFC hardware authenticator has a USB-C connector, is NFC enabled, and provides multi-protocol support. While there are other USB-C and NFC compatible security keys, the YubiKey 5 Series is the only line of authenticators to support six authentication protocols in one device, which includes WebAuthn, FIDO2, FIDO U2F, OTP, PIV (smart card), and OpenPGP.

  • This unique multi-protocol support, combined with USB-C and NFC functionality, enables the YubiKey 5C NFC to work out of the box with hundreds of services, delivering strong two-factor or passwordless authentication for simple and secure logins. For this reason, it is difficult to find a competitor delivering a singular solution more flexible, cost-effective, simple, and secure than the YubiKey 5C NFC.

  • Yubico was also recognized in the 2019 and 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program. 

Yubico sets new global standards for simple and secure access to computers, mobile devices, servers, and internet accounts. The company’s core invention, the YubiKey, delivers strong hardware protection, with a simple touch, across any number of IT systems and online services.

The YubiHSM, Yubico’s ultra-portable hardware security module, protects sensitive data stored in servers.

The company’s technology is deployed by 9 of the top 10 technology companies, 4 of the top 10 U.S. banks, 2 of the top 3 global retailers, and by millions of users in more than 160 countries.

The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI SystemsAttivo NetworksAutomatic Systems, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitionsevery one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification Personal/Protective Equipment Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System Interagency Interdiction Operation Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition Body Worn Video Product Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS Mobile Technology Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics Disaster Preparedness ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera Mass Notification System Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection Rescue Operations Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition Detection Products And Many Others!
COVID Innovations And Many Others!

 

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020 and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. Local transmission of the disease has occurred across all fifty states in the America.

With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.

As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.
AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

American Security Today

These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.

It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

  • For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

  • Provides named sources
  • Reported by more than one notable outlet
  • Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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