posted on Linkedin April 8, 2025

Hardware security keys have become one of the most trusted ways to enhance security with multi-factor authentication (MFA) in our digital world. My affiliate marketing mind did not even know they existed until about 5 months ago. Since then, I've become over half of my business's IT department, and all I wanted to be was a Marketer. I discovered that their popularity seems to have come about over the past 5-10 years; where was I? For now, I am a big fan of them and see them getting better, but hey, the hackers are smart people, and history will tell. So, what is the current state of Security Keys?

These handy little devices offer some great benefits compared to other authentication methods, making them a smart choice for keeping accounts safe and, in turn, a tremendous lower-priced solution for small businesses. Of course, there are a few things to remember. Still, they're a solid option for boosting small business cybersecurity, though they aren't without considerations.

Current Effectiveness

Hardware keys excel in some key areas:

• Phishing resistance: Unlike SMS codes or authenticator apps, hardware keys use cryptographic challenges that can't be easily intercepted or redirected to phishing sites.

• Malware protection: They operate independently from potentially compromised devices, isolating the authentication process from system weaknesses.

• User simplicity: Most keys require a simple tap or touch.

• Standards compliance: Modern keys support FIDO2/WebAuthn protocols, enabling passwordless authentication.

Manufacturer Trust Concerns

Concern about manufacturer backdoors is valid but should be weighed against several factors:

• Reputable manufacturers like Yubico, Google (Titan), and Feitian typically have transparent security practices and undergo third-party security audits.

• The cryptographic standards these keys implement (like FIDO) are designed with decentralized security, where the private keys never leave the device.

• Supply chain security has improved, though organizations should still consider it a potential attack vector. Like when I was a policeman, "trust but verify."

Current Limitations

While highly effective, hardware keys do face some challenges:

• Not all services support hardware key authentication yet.

• Unfortunately, deployment and management across large organizations can be complex. Yet, I certainly like this for my small business as I can easily control the key inventory by the few numbers that work with me and need that level of access.

• When keys are lost, recovery procedures require careful planning, so I recommend keeping a copy key in a very safe place.

• User education remains vital to prevent social engineering attacks. You still have to get your staff to know how to defend and instill a concern about being a team player in the organization's cybersecurity.

Business Implementation Recommendations

For businesses considering hardware keys:

1. Start with high-value accounts and users with access to sensitive information.

2. Create clear backup and recovery processes. Back up, back up, back up some more!

3. Source keys from reputable manufacturers with proven security practices.

4. Consider keys that support multiple protocols for maximum compatibility.

Hardware keys are one of the best ways to keep your accounts secure in this day and age! When used correctly, they offer fantastic protection against common threats that can compromise our accounts. While nothing is entirely foolproof, these keys are a step from traditional authentication methods. They're an excellent addition to my small business, and the pricing is reasonable, too—most people can make it work! I see them as a tremendous extra measure for my tiny but mighty business, and the price structure is affordable for most. Defend with a good offense, my friend.

Cheers and all the best - Timothy