Google’s new Titan security keys are ready for a world without passwords
The latest iteration of Google’s Titan Security Key is hereready to work alongside the new passwordless system password technology deployed with support from Apple, Microsoft, Google and many others. Two new versions of the key are available in the Google store starting today with a USB-C connection ($35) or a USB-A connection ($30), and – as the previous versions released in 2021 – both also feature NFC to connect wirelessly to phones and other mobile devices.
I’ve been using the USB-C version for a few days and it works just as well as other dongles I own, like the older Titan hardware and other FIDO2 keys from Yubico. Having NFC support on both versions is handy so you don’t have to choose, especially since when setting up keys you’ll want to have at least two to keep a backup.
Even with rapidly growing support for passwords, going passwordless with a security key has been easier than any other option I’ve tried. These are FIDO2 compatible, so they can serve as two-factor authentication security with existing servicesand they have enough storage space on board to hold over 250 unique passwords.
Other two-factor technologies, such as code generators, push notifications, and sending codes via email or SMS, can add some protection against attackers stealing your password. But security keys go further by using cryptography that checks things on both sides: making sure it’s a legitimate key and that you’re not giving away your login credentials to a fake website .
If you register these keys to unlock various online accounts (like your Google account) with a password, you can authenticate by connecting the key and verifying with a PIN you set – no password is required. required.
