The latest iteration of Google’s Titan Security Key is now available in the Google Store. It comes in two versions: one with a USB-C connection priced at $35 and another with a USB-A connection priced at $30. Both versions also have NFC support, allowing them to connect wirelessly to phones and other mobile devices.
Having used the USB-C version myself, I can attest to its reliability and performance. It works just as well as other keys I’ve used, such as the older Titan hardware and FIDO2 keys from Yubico. The inclusion of NFC support on both versions is a convenient feature, as it eliminates the need to choose between the two options. It’s recommended to have at least two keys for backup purposes when setting up keys.
Going passwordless with a security key has proven to be easier compared to other options I’ve tried. These keys are FIDO2 compatible, meaning they can serve as two-factor authentication security for existing services. Additionally, they have sufficient onboard storage to hold over 250 unique passkeys.
While technologies like code generators, push notifications, and email/text codes can enhance password protection, security keys offer an extra layer of security through cryptographic verification. This verification process ensures that the key is legitimate and that you’re not compromising your login information on a fake website.
By registering these keys to unlock online accounts, such as your Google account, with a passkey, you can authenticate yourself by connecting the key and verifying with a PIN that you’ve set. This eliminates the need for a traditional password.