When you protect your account with a physical security key, you get the highest level of protection for these reasons:
- Security keys are separate from your device: Other login methods involve storing secrets in the cloud or locally on your phone or computer. When you use a security key, your credentials are stored on the key and can't be accessed if your device or cloud account is compromised.
- Security keys can't be accessed remotely: You have to physically touch the key to log in, which makes remote attacks—like phishing or malware—much harder to pull off.
- Security keys are protected by a PIN or biometrics: Even if someone gets physical access to your security key, they need your PIN or fingerprint to use it.
- Security keys are phishing-resistant: Security keys that are based on FIDO standards verify the actual website you’re logging in to. If a hacker tries to trick you with a fake login page, the key simply won’t work.
Create an account protected by a security key