Explained: What are security keys and how they are useful
[ad_1]
Apple rolled out iOS 16.3 update for all eligible iPhone users. One of the main features of iOS 16.3 is support for security keys for users’ Apple ID. Security keys add another layer of security to user data and privacy. Wondering what are security keys? Here we tell all you need to know about them:
What are security keys?
Security keys are physical devices that are used as a form of two-factor authentication (2FA) to provide an extra layer of security when accessing online accounts or services. They work by requiring the user to physically insert the key into their device, or by using near-field communication (NFC) technology to connect wirelessly to a device, in order to confirm their identity.
How are security keys helpful?
Security keys are particularly useful in protecting against phishing attacks, which are common tactics used by attackers to steal login credentials. Phishing attacks often involve tricking users into entering their login information on a fake website, which is then used to gain unauthorised access to the user’s accounts. Security keys help to protect against this by requiring the user to physically confirm their identity before logging in, which makes it much more difficult for attackers to steal login credentials.
Security keys also provide an additional layer of security compared to other forms of 2FA, such as one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via text message or email. This is because security keys are not susceptible to the same types of attacks that can compromise OTPs, such as SIM swapping or phishing attacks that target the user’s email or text messages.
Furthermore, security keys use a public key infrastructure (PKI) system, which is a method of securely transmitting data over the internet using a pair of public and private keys. The public key is used to encrypt data, while the private key is used to decrypt it. This means that even if an attacker intercepts the data being transmitted, they will not be able to decrypt it without the private key.
Should you get one?
As we mentioned, they add a layer of security. If you are worried about your account/data being hacked, a security key is a useful addition. Brands like Yubico, Feitian, and others have many options ranging between Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,500.
What are security keys?
Security keys are physical devices that are used as a form of two-factor authentication (2FA) to provide an extra layer of security when accessing online accounts or services. They work by requiring the user to physically insert the key into their device, or by using near-field communication (NFC) technology to connect wirelessly to a device, in order to confirm their identity.
How are security keys helpful?
Security keys are particularly useful in protecting against phishing attacks, which are common tactics used by attackers to steal login credentials. Phishing attacks often involve tricking users into entering their login information on a fake website, which is then used to gain unauthorised access to the user’s accounts. Security keys help to protect against this by requiring the user to physically confirm their identity before logging in, which makes it much more difficult for attackers to steal login credentials.
Security keys also provide an additional layer of security compared to other forms of 2FA, such as one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via text message or email. This is because security keys are not susceptible to the same types of attacks that can compromise OTPs, such as SIM swapping or phishing attacks that target the user’s email or text messages.
Furthermore, security keys use a public key infrastructure (PKI) system, which is a method of securely transmitting data over the internet using a pair of public and private keys. The public key is used to encrypt data, while the private key is used to decrypt it. This means that even if an attacker intercepts the data being transmitted, they will not be able to decrypt it without the private key.
Should you get one?
As we mentioned, they add a layer of security. If you are worried about your account/data being hacked, a security key is a useful addition. Brands like Yubico, Feitian, and others have many options ranging between Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,500.
[ad_2]
Source link