Hard Tokens - A Brief Update

Now it's time to update you on my experiences thus far...

 

 

• The Yubikey is programmed to memorize a string of 32 random characters.
• To login to my computer, I first enter my own 4 digit code.
• Then, at the touch of a button, the Yubikey adds it's memorized string to it.
• The Yubikey (and the string it contains) is used strictly for this purpose.
• The Yubikey is attatched to my car key so I always have it with me. Well almost always, but more on that later....

Security - The characters programmed on the Yubikey in combination with my 4 digit code are necessary to login in to my Laptop. Without them my account is simply not accessible.

Reliability - The hard token still works perfectly. However I must admit that the USB port on my MacBookPro is bit tricky now and then and I have to wiggle the Yubikey into working.

Efficiency - Instead of having to type a really hard password to crack (which would mean considerable length and special characters), I only have to type a simple 4 digit numeric code. The Yubikey fills in the other 32 characters. Quite handy, and very quick.

Portability - Thus far, I've only used the Yubikey to login on my own laptop, so I have yet to test it on other machines.

Usability - This device is extremely easy to use. I do have to admit that my dependency on that one Yubikey did end up hurting me once: I had an appointment at the dealership in the morning, left my car there and a colleague picked me up on the way to work. Unfortunately, I left my keys with the car... Quite embarrassing really. I guess don't need to explain... Anyways, that day I unwillingly followed my colleague's Gert-Jan's advise and had myself a " Don't bring your laptop to work day".

 

I'm more than happy with the selected setup. And I'm pretty sure you only forget your device once ;-). So go ahead everybody, secure your data!