Google Authenticator vs. Yubico YubiKeys

It is supported by virtually all cloud-based software applications for business. I am happy to allow users to use this in addition to other authenticators. Certainly, if your business is in the Google cloud it makes sense, but my approach to the remote/virtual work world these past couple of years has been structured flexibility. Leaving some choice up to the users for their own comfort, particularly when they are using their own devices. I cannot think of a scenario where it is less appropriate - perhaps where you run the risk of "app sprawl". I.e., where you are requiring users to handle multiple authenticators (which can happen with certain pieces of hardware) you may want to encourage consolidation into one to avoid frustration.

Incentivized

YubiKeys are incredibly effective for protecting against phishing attacks, as they require physical interaction and can't be remotely compromised. They're ideal for safeguarding high-value targets (executives, IT admins, those handling sensitive data), enhancing remote access security, and often help meet industry compliance regulations. However, the initial hardware cost may be a concern for large-scale deployments with many low-risk users. Users prone to losing small items or scenarios involving older, incompatible systems might pose logistical challenges. Nonetheless, YubiKeys remain robust when addressing phishing-based attacks and securing privileged accounts. Consider a targeted rollout balancing security gain against potential hardware costs and user needs.

Incentivized

• One strength is in how it checks identity to stop unwanted people from getting access.
• Another strength is in cutting down on the frustration of users for the authentication process.
• With the pandemic and needing to work away from the office it also provided additional security in keeping our network/infrastructure safe.

Incentivized

• Provides additional factors for authenticating against critical systems.
• Significantly reduces the chance of a successful phishing attempt.
• Can function as your primary credential for passwordless authentication.
• Extremely durable - I've had the same Yubikeys in use for years.
• Cross-platform - can be used on all mainstream operating systems and mobile devices.

Incentivized

• I once performed a factory reset of my smartphone which had Google Authenticator. I didn't have a backup for the device. When I restored my phone with the same google account, I was not able to restore the authenticator app settings. I had to add all the keys back into the app to use it. This is cumbersome, but I understand it is set up this way for security reasons.
• I don't like the ease with which it lets you delete a key. If I accidentally delete a key, I am doomed to get my 2FA key reset, unless I still have the QR code saved somewhere.

Incentivized

• I'd feel better if the key were a little more solidly built - it feels a little flimsy
• The design could also use a cap for the connection - I'm nervous having it on my key chain and users have mentioned the same concerns.
• There seems to be some cracks forming in the support for security keys which is starting to mitigate the usefulness across an entire ecosystem.

Incentivized

It works as intended, easy to setup, free and gives you another level of security against any unwanted access or cyber attacks

Incentivized

I have not faced any technical challenge personally using this application. It's very lightweight and doesn't require many system resources on your mobile device.

Incentivized

I give slightly better than average rating because of the complexity in using a Yubikey. It is not as easy as native push notifications for 2FA products, however, it provides much better strength. Rating this higher or lower would be a disservice to people reading this review. If you are in the market for a hardware 2FA tool, Yubikey will be a great asset in your toolbox.

Incentivized

In terms of availability, I had not experienced any issues with outages or the product not working when needed

Incentivized

simple to use and keep on hand to deploy/use

Incentivized

The performance of google Authenticator is good and I have not experienced any slow downs

Incentivized

its instantaneous!

Incentivized

I have found Google’s support to be hit or miss. There are times when they are very responsive, and I get my issue resolved quickly, and there are times where a response from them takes weeks. There is no in-between. But my support experience with this particular product is nonexistent because I have not had a problem with it yet. Hopefully, we do not have any problems with it either.

Incentivized

It was easy to implement and it went very smoothly. No issues

Incentivized

We deploy Google Authenticator in residential and non-managed client scenarios. Google Authenticator can perform the basic functions needed for multi-factor authentication but lacks the more advanced features of solutions like Cisco's Secure Access by Duo. Google Authenticator is our go-to solution for anyone ready to increase their security but struggling to find the necessary technology budget.

Incentivized

Duo and Yubico YubiKeys actually work very well together. We have chosen to use these two products together to make safe and secure MFA (including Passwordless) available to all users. The ease of use that Duo allows for both OTP import and WebAuthn enrollment makes it possible for modern and legacy applications to be protected by Duo MFA via Yubico YubiKeys as the second factor.

Incentivized

The product doesn’t have any features of tools that can help it scale

Incentivized

deployment is simple and the complex hardware is made simple.

Incentivized

• More secure data = less worried about a data breach.
• Takes longer to log in, and if I don't have my phone then I have to go looking for it, so it really makes it so that you can't be without your phone, which in certain instances is annoying or not possible and can hold up work time.
• Everyone is willing to use the same program because everyone likes Google—makes it easier to manage.

Incentivized

• It provides security that allows me to feel confident and peace of mind that my account is really hard to hack
• Easy ROI since it would be really expensive if my account were hacked
• It's easy and fast to use, so it doesn't slow me down when traveling.

Incentivized