Yubico Launches Lightning-Compatible Hardware 2FA Security Key, the YubiKey 5Ci

If you take your online security seriously, and you should, I would strongly advise investing in a hardware-based security key for 2-factor authentication. Phone-based authentication is not always perfect and for many, if someone gains access to your Google account, the results can be disastrous.

Today, Yubico, the leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, today announced the general availability of the YubiKey 5Ci, the world’s first security key designed with both USB-C and Lightning connectors on a single device. This unique dual-connector functionality makes the YubiKey 5Ci the perfect solution for consumers or enterprises looking for strong hardware-backed authentication across iOS, Android, MacOS, or Windows devices. The YubiKey 5Ci is available for purchase today on yubico.com at a retail price of $70 USD.

The YubiKey 5Ci can be used to secure the 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Idaptive, LastPass, and Okta iOS mobile applications along with additional services accessed through the Brave iOS browser app. Supported logins on the Brave browser include Bitbucket.org, GitHub.com, Login.gov, Twitter.com, and 1Password.com. Monkton Rebar and XTN also support the YubiKey 5Ci in their latest software development kits.

To support a growing ecosystem, Yubico continues to work with industry-leading iOS applications and browser supported services through the Yubico Developer Program. Partners with anticipated YubiKey 5Ci app support include: Dropbox, Keeper Security, SecMaker, and more.

Authentication with the YubiKey 5Ci is also available over a USB-C connection, which is compatible with nearly every USB-C equipped laptop or mobile device, working with hundreds of applications and services listed in the works with YubiKey catalog today.  Some capabilities are not currently supported on iPad Pro models with USB-C ports.

“The YubiKey 5Ci fills a critical gap in the mobile authentication ecosystem,” said Jerrod Chong, Chief Solutions Officer, Yubico. “It is the first iOS-friendly security key on the market to offer strong, yet simple authentication over a Lightning connection, while still delivering a unified experience across other mobile, desktop or laptop devices. In an increasingly mobile-first world, where users are not tied to one machine, the YubiKey 5Ci serves an important role as a portable root of trust, proving that users are who they say they are, no matter what device they are on.”

As the latest addition to the multi-protocol YubiKey 5 Series product line, the YubiKey 5Ci is equipped with FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, OTP (one-time-password), PIV (Smart Card), and OpenPGP. With support for multiple authentication protocols, the YubiKey 5Ci delivers strong multi-factor (MFA), second-factor (2FA), and single-factor passwordless authentication for simple and seamless user experience across the entire computing ecosystem.

Application developers interested in adding support for the YubiKey 5Ci into their iOS mobile apps, can access the Yubico Mobile SDK for iOS — along with other helpful resources such as implementation guides, webinars, or reference code — at developers.yubico.com/yubikey5ci. 

You can buy the Yubikey 5Ci direct from Yubico at: https://www.yubico.com/store/#yubikey-5-series

At the moment non-US orders placed on or after August 22, 2019 will not be processed until September 2, 2019.

I have previously reviewed the Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC & 5C and found them both to be superb.

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James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.