Yubico is set to release updated versions of its YubiKey 5, Security Key, and Security Key Enterprise Edition series authentication hardware which aim to help organizations move away from password-based security. The new security keys will feature updated 5.7 firmware with enhanced security features such as expanded passkey storage and the ability to enforce setting more complex PINs. Existing YubiKey hardware cannot be updated with the new firmware, so users will need to purchase new keys to benefit from the upgraded protections, which start from $25 for the Security Key NFC.
The new security keys will come with enterprise attestation, support for current FIDO2 standard protocols, and the ability to store up to 100 passkeys, 24 PIV certificates, 64 OATH seeds, and 2 OTP seeds. Jeff Wallace, senior vice president of product at Yubico, highlighted the surge in cyber threats faced by organizations and the importance of protecting against compromised employee login credentials, often resulting from attacks such as phishing. The updated hardware and firmware aim to provide enterprises with the latest authentication advancements and tools to build strategies for creating phishing-resistant users and mitigating phishing threats.
The new security hardware loaded with the updated firmware will be launching alongside updates for the Yubico Authenticator 7 app. The updated app features a more streamlined user interface, French and Japanese language support, and can be used to manage the upcoming YubiKey 5.7 features. The Yubico Authenticator 7 app is currently available on desktop and Android, with an update for iOS users set to be released at a later date. These updates are designed to provide users with a more secure and streamlined authentication experience.
The new YubiKey hardware and firmware updates come at a time when organizations are facing increasing cyber threats and the need for stronger security measures. With the ability to store more passkeys, certificates, and seeds, the updated security keys offer enhanced protection against compromised login credentials and phishing attacks. The Yubico Authenticator 7 app updates further contribute to a more secure authentication process, with features such as language support and a streamlined user interface.
Yubico’s focus on providing enterprises with advanced authentication technologies and tools reflects the company’s commitment to helping organizations enhance their security posture and protect against evolving cyber threats. By launching updated versions of their authentication hardware and software, Yubico aims to empower organizations with the latest security advancements and strategies for combatting phishing attacks and securing user identities. The new YubiKey hardware and firmware updates, along with the Yubico Authenticator 7 app updates, offer users a comprehensive solution for improving authentication security and defending against malicious actors.