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.

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.