I have quite a busy but highly useful keychain! But there's one security gadget that's irreplacable.
For years, passwords have been a poor way of securing online accounts. They're too vulnerable to hacking and social engineering. While passkeys offer much more security, sometimes, having a physical dongle that you have to use to authenticate that you are actually you is the way to go.
Also: 10 tiny tools I carry with me everywhere - how they work
This is why I've been using Yubico Yubikey security keys for years. I've had one in one form or another on my keys for years, and my Yubikey goes with me everywhere I go.
My current Yubikey -- the Yubikey 5C NFC -- has been on my keys for almost five years now, and it's used for protecting a whole host of online accounts, from Google to Dropbox.
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Yubikey 5C NFC
The Yubikey is the password protection you can bring anywhere (even on your keychain).
Anywhere I'm given an opportunity to use my Yubikey as a two-factor authentication (2FA) security key, I will. It has a USB-C port and built-in NFC, so it's compatible with everything from smartphones to laptops and desktops.
Here's what my Yubikey 5C NFC looked like when it was new.
Are you worried that something that looks like a flash drive on your keys is going to get busted up and broken in no time, locking you out of your precious accounts? Don't!
Also: My new favorite keychain holder can carry up to 14 keys (and is trackable by phone)
Here's what my almost five-year-old key looks like after spending all that time on my keychain. It's scratched and dinged, but it works just fine. It's a testament to Swedish engineering. Built from glass-reinforced plastic, it's crush-resistant and IP68 rated for dust and water resistance (it's completely dustproof and can survive prolonged exposure to water).
Here it is today... it looks rough, but works just fine.
There's also no battery, nothing to charge, and no moving parts to break. It's the perfect security accessory for my keychain, even after years of use.
Why I recommend this product
Why? Because it just works. And it's worked flawlessly 24/7/365 for almost five years. It's outlasted a handful of iPhones, a pile of MacBooks, and no end of other tech. And it doesn't get an easy life on my keychain, banged about in my pocket along with keys, flashlights, pocket knives, and whatever else is part of my EDC at the time.
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