In today’s digital environment hackers are using more and more techniques to be able to get access to your email accounts. One of the biggest ways they do this is by phishing your account information from you or stealing credentials from online systems that you have used before. 

So, what is one of the best ways to secure your email account against this type of attack? One of the best possible ways to secure your account is to use a 2FA key. A 2FA key or a  two-factor authentication key, is a physical key to used to lock down your account. Now, this does not replace your password, but adds an additional layer of security to your account.

In order to login to your account, you will still use a password, but your account will then ask you to insert your 2FA key and then you will be prompted to touch the key in order to login to your account.  

This prevents someone from hacking your account by a password only. This is due to the fact that you must have a physical key to plug in and you must touch the key to prove you have it. 

There are two types of keys to choose from. There is the Google Titan key and with the Yubico key. One thing to understand is that the Google Titan key is based on the Yubico key.  For my choice I like the Yubico 5ci and the reason is that the key had a lightning connector on one side and a USB-C on the other, so it will connect to just about everything out there. 

Before you look at buying one of these you need to know that you must purchase TWO keys, this way you have a primary key and then a backup key that you keep in a safe.

Here is the link to the Google Titan key at the Google store.  

Here is the link to the Yubico key:

Yubico Key

So, let’s see done additional reasons you should have a 2FA key.

1. Protection Against Phishing

Phishing is a common technique used by attackers to trick you into revealing your credentials. With a physical security key, an attacker can’t sign in to your account even if they trick you into providing your username and password.

2. Easy to Use

Physical security keys are incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is insert the key into your computer’s USB port and tap it when prompted.

3. Works Across Many Services

In addition to Gmail, you can use your physical security key for many other services that support FIDO standards, including Facebook, Twitter, and Dropbox, among others.

At this point there’s is no reason NOT to have a 2FA key. This is the best way to keeping your accounts secure online, not just email, but banking, social media and more!