Yubico launches lightning-compatible security key
Hardware authentication security keys provider Yubico has announced the general availability of the YubiKey 5Ci, a security key designed with both USB-C and Lightning connectors on a single device.
This unique dual-connector functionality makes the YubiKey 5Ci a great solution for consumers or enterprises looking for strong hardware-backed authentication across iOS, Android, MacOS, or Windows devices.
The YubiKey 5Ci is available for purchase today at a retail price of $70 USD.
Today, the YubiKey 5Ci can be used to secure the 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Idaptive, LastPass, and Okta iOS mobile applications along with additional services accessed through the Brave iOS browser app.
Supported logins on the Brave browser include Bitbucket.org, GitHub.com, Login.gov, Twitter.com, and 1Password.com.
Monkton Rebar and XTN also support the YubiKey 5Ci in their latest software development kits.
To support a growing ecosystem, Yubico continues to work with industry iOS applications and browser supported services through the Yubico Developer Program.
Partners with anticipated YubiKey 5Ci app support include: Dropbox, Keeper Security, SecMaker, and more.
Authentication with the YubiKey 5Ci is also available over a USB-C connection, which is compatible with nearly every USB-C equipped laptop or mobile device, working with hundreds of applications and services listed in the Works with YubiKey catalogue today.
Some capabilities are not currently supported on iPad Pro models with USB-C ports.
"The YubiKey 5Ci fills a gap in the mobile authentication ecosystem," says Yubico chief solutions officer Jerrod Chong.
"It is the first iOS-friendly security key on the market to offer strong, yet simple authentication over a Lightning connection, while still delivering a unified experience across other mobile, desktop or laptop devices. In an increasingly mobile-first world, where users are not tied to one machine, the YubiKey 5Ci serves an important role as a portable root of trust, proving that users are who they say they are, no matter what device they are on.
As the latest addition to the multi-protocol YubiKey 5 Series product line, the YubiKey 5Ci is equipped with FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, OTP (one-time password), PIV (Smart Card), and OpenPGP.
With support for multiple authentication protocols, the YubiKey 5Ci delivers strong multi-factor (MFA), second-factor (2FA), and single-factor passwordless authentication for a simple and seamless user experience across the entire computing ecosystem.
Application developers interested in adding support for the YubiKey 5Ci into their iOS mobile apps, can access the Yubico Mobile SDK for iOS along with other helpful resources such as implementation guides, webinars, or reference code on the Yubico website.
Dashlane CEO Emmanuel Schalit says "Industry realists will be the first to admit that security is only as effective as it is convenient. The YubiKey 5Ci works across devices and operating systems, and Dashlane is excited to partner with like-minded businesses that are more focused on making digital life simple and secure than building ecosystem lock-in."
