Advice Request What's easier to use than an Authenticator app?

[Ink]

For most people, using an Authenticator app can be an additional nuisance;

1. Unlock Phone.
2. Launch Authenticator app.
3. Passcode / Biometric to Unlock
4. Find Code (or wait for new codes to generate).
5. Enter code into App / website.

Is there any easier way to authorise?

 

[Brahman]

Yubico Home

Get the YubiKey, the #1 security key, offering strong two factor authentication from industry leader Yubico.

www.yubico.com

(One-tap login, nothing to download, no batteries, crush and water resistant.)

 

[RmG152]

Fido U2F Key

Universal 2nd Factor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Ink]

@JoyousBudweiser @RmG152 Can you tell me why they're easier? Are the compatible with Mobile (USB-C) and Laptop (USB-A)? How secure is NFC? What's happens if the device is dropped or damaged?

 

[Evgeny]

yubikey.

 

[rain2reign]

To add some alternative competitors to YubiKey

1. Nitrokey
2. SoloKeys
3. OnlyKey

Including YubiKey they have different models to accommodate different situations. Think of USB-C instead of USB-A, or NFC support and so on. Most of them have an backup feature, so you arent locked out completely. It's similar to using a usb. If you don't backup the data you lose it when it breaks, the same goes for these universal FIDO keys.

Since its passwords and stuff, back it up regularly and replace the key (and import) when it gets damaged accidentally.

Edit: Regardless of manufacturer they are all based on the FIDO principle. A start would be to read into the FIDO Alliance

 

[Ink]

Thanks for the detailed response. Why do you recommend USB-C over -A/NFC?
My laptop does not have a USB-C connection.

 

[rain2reign]

It was more of an example. You need to find one that's specific to your use-case. If you're traveling alot, most mobile devices and notebooks these days (not all) use USB-C. Making that more desirable. if you prefer NFC, there is a model for that too and so on.

 

[Ink]

How does NFC compare to USB in terms of security, and ease of use?

 

[Brahman]

How does NFC compare to USB in terms of security, and ease of use?

You don't have to worry about security in either of them
( unless you are working for cia, mosad or Fsb) . Use whatever convenient to you. If you have a phone with nfc, an nfc enabled fido/ ubikey would be much easier to use.

 

[Ink]

I never use NFC, that's the point. Why buy a product if it's an extra nuisance?

Can the USB-C key be used on USB-A with a compatible dongle?

 

[SeriousHoax]

I think the purpose of an Authenticator app is not convenience, it's security.

 

[rain2reign]

I never use NFC, that's the point. Why buy a product if it's an extra nuisance?

Can the USB-C key be used on USB-A with a compatible dongle?

If you never used NFC, then you'd most likely won't use the NFC model. NFC is a separate model thus far amongst all fido manufacturers. I have never had an issue with a dongle, but Yubikey and Nitrokey have an page for compatibility for usb dongle's. I am not sure how the hardware works around that part myself to be entirely honest.

 

[Ink]

I think the purpose of an Authenticator app is not convenience, it's security.

As an example, Microsoft Authenticator with the Microsoft Account, the steps are far easier.
1. Unlock Phone
2. Launch app via it's Notification
3. Tap Approve or select [Digits] – occasional biometric required.

Security does not have to be a nuisance as Microsoft has done with it's password-less system, there is zero requirements to enter a code, or wait for it generate.

For most people, using an Authenticator app can be an additional nuisance;

1. Unlock Phone.
2. Launch Authenticator app.
3. Passcode / Biometric to Unlock
4. Find Code (or wait for new codes to generate).
5. Enter code into App / website.

 

[mkoundo]

 

[Templarware]

If you're like me, who really prefers PC, who only uses the phone when not at home, Authenticator app is really annoying. I don't even keep my phone in the same room as the PC.
Most websites offer you a choice to use email verification instead of Authenticator app.
If you use very long, randomly generated passwords, you'll be fine just using your email for two-step verification.

 

[cambell7]

If this is not the right place to post, just remove it.
I found this link on the vpn express blog.

Are Typing Biometrics the New 2FA? | ExpressVPN Blog

The way you type is unique, and it might soon become a convenient method to authenticate your identity when you sign in to your accounts.

www.expressvpn.com

 

[Stopspying]

I read the linked article and am now curious as to how it will be known that it is me when typing on a full size keyboard and while tapping a phone screen. On a traditional PC keyboard I can knock out several hundred characters per minute, on a small phone screen using one index finger my typing most certainly has very different characteristics and is very significantly slower.