Choosing Your 2FA Method: A Comparative Analysis of Google Authenticator vs Yubikey (2024)

FAQs

How is YubiKey better than Google Authenticator? ›

Yubikey Authenticator boasts a higher level of security compared to software-based solutions. It can be used across multiple devices and even offers the convenience of passwordless login. However, it does have some drawbacks. Unlike Google Authenticator, Yubikey Authenticator lacks the ability to transfer backups.

Hardware security keys like YubiKey provide the most secure form of two-factor authentication. Unlike SMS or authenticator apps which can be phished, hardware keys offer phishing resistant authentication by requiring physical possession of the key.

Other 2FA methods typically only send you a six-digit code to confirm your identity, mostly because it would be unreasonable to expect humans to type much more than that. YubiKeys don't require you to manually enter a code, so they're free to use much longer codes. That's more secure.

On Android and Apple devices, use the Google Authenticator app. On a Windows device, use the Microsoft Authenticator app. You can also save a single use recovery code as a backup 2FA method.

If you lose your Yubikey, you can still use your phone authenticator app, but you cannot create a backup Yubikey. However, Yubikey also provides methods to recover your account, so you can get a replacement. An advantage to Yubikey is that it comes on a USB that cannot be identified.

Google Authenticator has long been a go-to because it's simple and reliable. There are also some unique and valuable features, such as the option to export your account information securely using just a QR code. It also allows you to use a Google Account to back up your logins.

More Secure: Biometrics. Biometric authentication methods rely on something you are. That makes them hard to steal, difficult to misplace or share, and impossible to forget.

Two-factor authentication methods rely on a user providing a password as the first factor and a second, different factor -- usually either a security token or a biometric factor, such as a fingerprint or facial scan.

Why are phones and SMS being discouraged. While better than relying solely on passwords, SMS and phone-based Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) methods have certain vulnerabilities that make them less secure than other authentication methods. Phishing attacks can trick users into providing their 2FA codes.

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.

What are the risks of YubiKey? ›

The theft scenario is indeed disturbing because if the thief learns your PIN and then steals the Yubikey, you're facing severe problems: the thief can easily check all your passkeys, get access to your accounts, remove all the passkeys and register only the stolen Yubikey, change the password, remove any other 2FA ...

The YubiKey works with Password Safe to protect your passwords using two-factor authentication (2FA). Both a master password and a YubiKey are needed to enable access to your Password Safe file, which contains the usernames, websites, passwords and other information for all of your online accounts.

Security Keys

This is the most secure form of 2-step verification, and it protects against phishing threats. Depending on which security key you are using such as hardware, Titan, or your phone's built-in security key, users can set up their account so that devices detect the security key associated with your account.

One of the biggest security issues surrounding Google Authenticator is its lack of encryption. Google Authenticator does not provide end-to-end encryption, which makes it susceptible to hackers. If there's a data breach or someone compromises your Google account, all your 2FA secrets will be unprotected.

Alongside the traditional password, users can enter a one-time security code that they receive via text or voice call or that they generate on the Google Authenticator app, which runs on Android and on Apple's mobile operating system iOS.

Why We Picked It. 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.

Strengthened Security

As noted, following adoption of YubiKeys, the risk of phishing and credential thefts alone was slashed by 99.9 per cent, and interviewees reported high levels of user satisfaction. “We have a risk-acceptance curve with a predicted cost of risk, and YubiKeys lowered our risk profile significantly.

Authenticator apps provide a layer of security and are a convenient option for use by many, but they are still vulnerable to phishing due to the 30-second window. Security keys, like the YubiKey, are considered to be both more convenient and more secure.

Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to Google Authenticator include user interface and security. The best overall Google Authenticator alternative is LastPass. Other similar apps like Google Authenticator are 1Password, Cisco Duo, Auth0 by Okta, and Ping Identity.