Registering A Security Key - Yubico Key for MFA
The Yubico Key is an all-in-one configurable security key that protects access to computers, networks, and online services. You must create your security key and give it a unique PIN before you can sign in to your work or school account using the key. You may have up to 10 keys registered with your account.
Here are a few tips before you get started with registering your key;
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Have your key(s) ready to plug into your computer, preferably the same way you will plug it in later when you authenticate: that is, either with or without an adapter.
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Prepare a trusted device: A trusted device is not public and has an up-to-date operating system with the latest security patches installed. Have a computer running either Windows 10 (1903 or later) or any of the following with the Chrome browser 90 or later: macOS (Catalina or later), Chrome OS 90 or later, Ubuntu 18.04 or later.
Step 1. Go to the My Profile page at My Account and sign in if you haven't already done so.
Step 2. Select Security Info, select Add method, and then select Security key from the Add a method list.
Step 3. Select Add, then select the type of security key you have, either a USB or NFC device. We recommend choosing a USB device, as this does not require the use of a smartphone.
Step 4. Make sure you have your security key physically available, and then on the Security key page, select Next.
Step 5. In the Setting up your new sign-in method page, select Next, and then:
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If your security key is a USB device, insert your security key into the USB port of your device.
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If your security key is an NFC device, tap your security key to your reader.
Step 6. Type your unique security key PIN into the Windows security box, then select OK. You'll return to the Setting up your new sign-in method box.
Step 7. Select Next.
Step 8. Return to the Security info page, type a name you'll recognize later for your new security key, and then select Next.
Step 9. Select Done to close the Security key page. The Security info page is updated with your security key information.
Deleting a security key from your security info
If you lose or no longer want to use a security key, you can delete the key from your security info. While this stops the security key from being used with your work or school account, the security key continues to store your data and credential information. To delete your data and credential information from the security key itself, follow the instructions in this article's "Reset a security key" section.
1. Select the Delete link from the security key to remove it.
2. Select OK from the Delete security key box.
Your security key is deleted, and you'll no longer be able to use it to sign in to your work or school account.
Important: If you delete a security key by mistake, you can register it again using the instructions in the "Register a security key" section of this article.
Managing your security key settings from Windows Settings
You can manage your security key settings from the Windows Settings app, including resetting your security key and creating a new security key PIN.
If you want to delete all the account information stored on your physical security key, you must return the key to its factory defaults. Resetting your security key deletes everything from the key, allowing you to start over.
Important: Resetting your security implies resetting it to factory defaults. All data and credentials will be cleared.
1. Open the Windows Settings app, select Accounts, select Sign-in options, select Security Key, and then select Manage.
2. Insert your security key into the USB port or tap your NFC reader to verify your identity.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions, based on your specific security key manufacturer. If your key manufacturer isn't listed in the on-screen instructions, refer to the manufacturer's site for more information.
4. Select Close to close the Manage screen.
Creating a new security key PIN
You can create a new security key PIN for your security key.
1. Open the Windows Settings app, select Accounts, select Sign-in options, select Security Key, and then select Manage.
2. Insert your security key into the USB port or tap your NFC reader to verify your identity.
3. Select Add from the Security Key PIN area, type and confirm your new security key PIN, and then select OK.
4. The security key is updated with the new security key PIN for use with your work or school account. If you decide to change your PIN again, you can select Change.
5. Select Close to close the Manage screen.
- Andy Korte -
Director | Global Network & IT Security Services | Webster University