Yubikey 4 vs. 5, is there a difference in security settings? - The Key Lock Guide (2024)

Passwords are easy to breach, speaking from experience. However, we will see in this Yubikey 4 vs. 5 review why they eliminatethe issue of online security breaches.

Security keys arelifesavers, something we know very well. They help you secure all your online accounts – otherwise, you expose yourself to risks of cybercrimes. In case you thought of it as a theoretical issue, it actually happens; studies have shown that passwords are a very weak wayof securing an account. In this article, we review two security keys, the Yubikey 4 vs. 5, and see whether they live up to expectations.

What are the differences between Yubikey 4 and 5?How do they compare?

ModelYubikey 4Yubikey 5
Dimensions (inches)0.71 x 0.12 x 1.772.6 x 1.6 x 0.2
USB port typeUSB-AUSB-A
Open sourceYesYes
FIDO2/FIDO U2FBothOnly FIDO U2F
Click hereClick here

Yubikey 4 vs. Yubikey 5 – what are the differences?

Form factors

WhileYubikeyis good at performance of different protocols, not everything will be under access for both. The Yubikey 4 has multiple factors, being the Nano and the Yubikey 4 itself. The Yubikey 5 series, on the other hand, is the most advanced in terms of looks and features – coming in the USB-A, Nano, and USB-C. In terms of accessibility, the Yubikey 5 is more advanced in its use, since you can use it for both computer/laptop and mobile.

The NFC in Yubikey 5

When looking at a security key, you may want to connect it with your phone or other mobile device, such as a tablet. The Yubikey 4 does not have the NFC feature, but the Yubikey 5 does. This allows you to safeguard your online presence whether you are using your computer or your phone.

Setting up the keys

If you are a heavy Google user, especially in terms of using the Chrome browser, then the Yubikey 4 is not a bad option for you as it works very well with the Chrome browser. However, it does have many challenges when you are setting it up – it might be marketed to the beginners, but the actual fact is that it is more suited for the advanced users (the instructions seem to gear themselves to using any kind of 2FA). In addition, the key only works in Chrome, and not on any other browser – so it is important to keep that in mind.

On the other hand, the Yubikey 5 is more basic in its setup process, as well as working on multiple browsers (as long as they support FIDO U2F). Along with being very good at working with numerous platforms through their tap-and-go authentication with Windows 10 devices, multiple browsers, and Android applications, it is friendlier if you are a beginner in U2F keys.

Yubikey 4

Yubikey 4 vs. 5, is there a difference in security settings? - The Key Lock Guide (1)

One of the features that we noticed in Yubikey 4 security key was that it requires no extra connectivity or internet to function properly once you finish installing it, which allows you to use it to access your data even when you are offline.

The key has been made from reinforced fiberglass material, which makes it resistant to crushing and water. The material itself is injection molded and sealed, yet remains lightweight.The key has a compact design, allowing you to carry it anywhere, and its small size ensures you have access to your most important data at all times.

Pros

  • Supports multiple protocols
  • Through the app, you can generate multiple one-time passwords

Cons

  • Slightly more challenging to set up

Yubikey 5

Yubikey 4 vs. 5, is there a difference in security settings? - The Key Lock Guide (2)

This is another security key that seeks to help upgrade your security, as well as being easy to set up. All these benefits are at an affordable price – in fact, it is among the cheapest Yubikeys you can get on the market.

Similar to the Yubikey 4, this is also made from reinforced fiberglass material, which makes it resistant to crushing and water. The material itself is injection molded and hermetically sealed to resist damage, yet remains lightweight.The compact design allows you to carry it anywhere, and ensures you always have access to your most important data.

Pros

  • Easy to set up and use
  • Great for basic 2-factor authentication

Cons

  • Changing your settings is difficult

Final thoughts

The Yubikey 5 manages to impress in many ways, especially when it comes to basic protection of your accounts. However, we still have to pick a winner in the Yubikey 4 vs. 5 review, which is the Yubikey 4. If you are a more technical user that does not mind the challenge of setting up your security, it is a better pick, as it supports multiple protocols while allowing you to generate many OTPs.

FAQs

What is the advantage of using U2F keys over 2FA authentication methods?

While 2FA proves be to a more useful security method than a password, it does have its own inherent issues, such as the risk of reusing the password. U2F is the most reliable, as it allows you to access multiple accounts without the need of a password or exposure risks, all through the use of one device.

How do you use a security key?

U2F keys have a similar build to a USB drive, but do not contain any information. Instead, there is a single chip within it that allows you to access your data. The key will basically work as a second factor authentication, and some keys will allow you to retain your passwords as well. After you log in through the usual process, you insert the key into a USB port briefly, then tap the button.

What happens when the U2F key gets lost?

The process of setting up the key also allows you to select backup methods you can use just in case. For instance, the use of authenticator apps, or OTP (One time password) codes and extra U2F keys.

What if it gets stolen?

The person who steals the key cannot access your account unless they know your password, which the key does not have (it only stores digital certificates, which do not have login information).

When it comes to U2F do you need a separate key for each account?

No, you can use one key for multiple accounts.

Yubikey 4 vs. 5, is there a difference in security settings? - The Key Lock Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between YubiKey security series and 5 series? ›

The Security Key Series differs from a YubiKey 5 Series in that it comes only with the FIDO (FIDO2/FIDO U2F) protocol and the non-Enterprise Edition does not have a serial number. It is only available in USB-A + NFC and USB-C + NFC form factors.

Do I really need YubiKey 5? ›

The Yubico Security Key C NFC is the best choice: It's affordable and will work with just about every site that supports security keys. If you're already familiar with security keys and need or want more-advanced features, the Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC is a pricier but worthwhile choice.

Which YubiKey is most secure? ›

Best Overall Security Key

The Yubikey Security Key C NFC is our top pick for most people. It features excellent build quality, and its USB-C connector means it works on just about every new device. It also has NFC support, which lets it authenticate on mobile devices that lack a USB port.

What is the difference between FIDO2 and security key? ›

FIDO allows organizations to apply the WebAuthn standard by using an external security key, or a platform key built into a device, to sign in without a username or password. FIDO2 security keys are an unphishable standards-based passwordless authentication method that can come in any form factor.

How to choose the right YubiKey? ›

What form factor do you prefer?
  1. If you want to have the Key inserted in your device most of the time: YubiKey 5C Nano or YubiKey 5 Nano.
  2. If you want to have your YubiKey on your keychain: YubiKey 5 NFC, YubiKey 5C NFC, Security Key*, YubiKey 5C, YubiKey 5Ci, YubiKey C BIO - Fido edition* & YubiKey BIO - Fido edition.
Jul 15, 2021

What is the life expectancy of a YubiKey? ›

A Yubikey will essentially last forever, and if you stay clear of the insanity that is Passkeys its Webauthn element can support an infinite number of websites.

How many keys can you have on YubiKey 5? ›

FIDO2 - the YubiKey 5 can hold up to 25 discoverable credentials (AKA hardware-bound passkeys) in its FIDO2 application. FIDO U2F - similar to Yubico OTP, the FIDO U2F application can be registered with an unlimited number of services.

Is it safe to keep YubiKey plugged in? ›

No, you only need to insert your yubikey when you are prompted to do so during login. Leaving it plugged in could result in the yubikey being lost or damaged.

What happens if someone steals my YubiKey? ›

So, what happens if you lose your YubiKey? In that case, you can still use your Authenticator app (phew!). While you can't create a backup YubiKey, you can always contact Yubico to get a replacement key.

Which password manager works best with YubiKey? ›

KeePass Works With YubiKey | Yubico.

Which YubiKey for passkeys? ›

Further, with our latest iteration, the YubiKey 5 Series, our security keys even offer passwordless authentication using passkeys.

What are the disadvantages of FIDO2? ›

Disadvantages and Challenges of FIDO2

Additionally, FIDO2 does not safeguard against timing vulnerability attacks (an attack that links stored user accounts in vulnerable authenticators). Since FIDO2 relies on a computer or system's authenticators, there is a lack of physical protection.

What if I lose my FIDO2 key? ›

What happens if I lose my FIDO key? It is important to have a back-up means of authentication in case a key is lost. A second FIDO key can usually be registered with services, and kept as a back-up. When registering with services, alternative though less convenient authentication methods may also be enabled.

Can YubiKey replace passwords? ›

YubiKeys make passwordless possible

Passwordless can be achieved using legacy Smart Card protocols, or modern FIDO2 / Passkey authentication secured by PIN or biometric identification.

What is YubiKey 5? ›

YubiKey 5 Series

And a full range of form factors allows users to secure online accounts on all of the devices that they love, across desktops and mobile. Multi-protocol support; FIDO2, U2F, Smart card, OTP, OpenPGP 3. USB-A, USB-C, NFC, Lightning. IP68 rated, crush resistant, no batteries required, no moving parts.

What are the different modes of YubiKey? ›

The YubiKey allows three different protocols to be used simultaneously – PIV, as defined by the NIST standard for authentication; OpenPGP for encryption, decryption, and signing; and OATH, for client apps like Yubico Authenticator.

What is the best YubiKey for Apple? ›

Choose the right security keys

Security Keys for Apple ID works with any FIDO® Certified security key. Some good examples include: YubiKey 5C NFC (works with most Mac and iPhone models) YubiKey 5Ci (works with most Mac and iPhone models)

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Tuan Roob DDS

Last Updated:

Views: 5509

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tuan Roob DDS

Birthday: 1999-11-20

Address: Suite 592 642 Pfannerstill Island, South Keila, LA 74970-3076

Phone: +9617721773649

Job: Marketing Producer

Hobby: Skydiving, Flag Football, Knitting, Running, Lego building, Hunting, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Tuan Roob DDS, I am a friendly, good, energetic, faithful, fantastic, gentle, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.