It's not often that I say you absolutely need to buy something.But this is something you need to buy.

Two-factor authentication -- a combination of something you remember (such as a password) and something you have (a smartphone or a token) -- offers far better security than relying on passwords alone. And while SMS-based authentication is better than nothing, what's even better is hardware-based authentication.

I've tested dozens of hardware-based security keys, and the one that I use to secure my online accounts is theYubikey 5C NFC .

Yubikey 5C NFC

$55 at Amazon

Yubikey 5C NFC

This, for me, is the ultimate security key, offering simple, easy-to-use, yet effective security.

TheYubikey 5C NFC is a two-factor, multi-factor and passwordless authentication security key that also offers touch-to-sign functionality. It supports a wide array of protocols -- FIDO2, U2F, Smart card, OTP, OpenPGP 3 -- which means it can offer strong security for legacy and modern environments.

Also: 3 security gadgets I never leave home without

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What I like about the Yubikey 5C NFC is that it offers the best of all worlds.

Along with all the cryptographic wizardry that handles the security functionality, the 5C NFC features both a USB-C and NFC for connecting the key to devices, giving it really broad compatibility. 

You get the convenience of both a hardwired and wireless connection.

I use this on laptops and desktop systems (you can even use it on systems that only have USB-A portsif you have an adapter ), Android smartphones, and even on my iPhone on and iPad.

Yes, you can use NFC on the iPhone.

Everything is packaged into a tough, IP68 rated, crush-resistant plastic shell. And the keys don't need batteries or recharging.

Yubikey 5C NFC

This one key works on everything I need it to work on.

I've been carrying my Yubikey 5C NFC keyring for some time now, and it stands up to the rough abuse that things in my possession have to endure. That said, it's recommended that you have a backup key in case your main key is lost, stolen, or damaged in some way. Note that you will have to register your second key, but that some services don't support multiple keys.

The Yubikey 5C NFC is an accessory that I use pretty much every day. For me, it's one of those must-have things that isn't as shiny and exciting as a new smartphone, but it's absolutely indispensable.

And for$55, it's far more affordable than a new smartphone or laptop.

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