Archive for October, 2018

USB Two Factor Authentication Dongle

Matt LeBoff October 25, 2018 Flash Storage & Memory, USB Reviews

The Yubico YubiKey 4 is an excellent option for implementing two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication requires two separate elements before access is granted. In this case, one element is your password and the second is a physical factor, such as fingerprint verification or possession of the hardware key.

If you currently use a password manager such as LastPass or Dashlane, this device is a strong addition. The primary benefit is the ability to enable hardware-based two-factor authentication, requiring the YubiKey itself to authorize sign-ins even when the correct password is entered.

YubiKey hardware security key

This means that even if someone learns your password, access is still blocked without the physical key. Most modern password managers and services support established security standards such as FIDO U2F, PIV smart card authentication, and OpenPGP, all of which are compatible with YubiKey devices.

USB Condom – Power But No Data

Matt LeBoff October 2, 2018 USB Security & Compliance

For those in a situation where you plug devices into unknown USB ports, a USB data blocker is a good thing to have around. Or some call it the USB condom!

This is a physical device that sits between the USB host connection and your device. The data blocker enables the power pings of a USB socket, but not the data lines. This means your device will get the power it needs, but without the possibility of infection via data transfers.

For example, if you are at a client’s office and need to connect your device to a USB port and don’t want to risk anything, use the USB data blocker. You’ll get the power, but without the risk of spreading or getting a virus.