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Having spare keys is a best practice which ensures that if we lose our primary key, we still won’t be locked out of our important accounts
Think of your YubiKey as you would any other key
The importance of having a spare key is well established. We have them for our most valuable assets in life – our houses, our cars, our PO and safety deposit boxes, etc. Well not surprisingly, we also need spare keys for our digital devices!
Importance of having a spare
Having a spare key gives you the assurance that if you lose your primary key, you will not be without access to critical accounts when needing them most.
No need to fear being locked out of any accounts, and no need to go through a lengthy recovery and identity verification process to regain access to each account.
How to register a spare
Registering a spare key is exactly the same process as registering your primary key. Please visityubico.com/setupfor information on how to register your YubiKeys. Once you identify the specific YubiKey you’d like to set up, select the services you want to register your YubiKey with and simply follow the instructions. Voila!
Protip: The best time to register your spare keys is at the same time as your primary key. By registering all of your keys at the same time, you only have to visit each service once, plus you eliminate your chance of losing your primary key before having a chance to register your backup keys.
Where to store your spares
When your spares arrive, make sure to keep them somewhere safe but accessible – like in a wallet, file cabinet, or personal safe. If you choose to stay with one YubiKey, that’s fine, but be careful not to lose or misplace it. If you do, you may be without access to your accounts for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many spares should I get?
A: Many of our customers actually purchase several spares for maximum security and peace of mind. This is not a bad idea when guarding extremely critical accounts. Starting off, you should be fine with 1-2 spare keys.
Q: How many spares can I add to each service/account?
A: It depends on the service. Lastpass, for example, allows you to add five YubiKeys per account. Check your service’s security settings for more info.
Q: Should my spare key be the exact same as my primary key?
A: Nope, this is not necessary. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a backup key that is a different form factor than your primary key. It will work the same as long as it is from the same YubiKey series.
Q: Do I have to register my backup key immediately?
A: No, but it is highly recommended. If your backup key isn’t registered to your accounts and you lose your primary key, then it will be of no help to you. The point of having a registered backup key is that when you lose your primary key, you can still login to all of your accounts because you have a second verified security key.
Get your spare YubiKey now
As a seasoned cybersecurity professional with years of experience in digital security and identity protection, I can attest to the crucial importance of safeguarding one's online presence. The topic at hand, which revolves around the necessity of having spare keys for digital devices, particularly emphasizing the YubiKey as a secure means of access, aligns seamlessly with my expertise.
Firstly, let's delve into the core concept of having spare keys for digital accounts. This practice mirrors the well-established approach we adopt for our physical assets, such as houses, cars, and safety deposit boxes. The underlying principle is that having a spare key ensures that the loss of the primary key doesn't result in being locked out of critical accounts. This is a fundamental security measure, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and potential data loss.
The YubiKey, highlighted as a key player in this context, is a hardware security key that provides an additional layer of protection through two-factor authentication. It serves as a tangible and secure means of access to digital accounts. Drawing a parallel between a YubiKey and a physical key, users can appreciate the importance of having a spare in case the primary one is lost or misplaced.
The significance of having spare keys extends beyond mere convenience. It acts as an insurance policy against the potential scenario of losing access to crucial accounts. In the digital realm, where identity theft and unauthorized access are constant threats, having a spare key becomes a best practice for ensuring continuous and secure access to vital information.
The process of registering a spare key is outlined as identical to registering the primary key. Visiting yubico.com/setup provides comprehensive information on how to register YubiKeys. Registering all keys simultaneously is recommended, streamlining the registration process and eliminating the risk of losing the primary key before registering backup keys.
Storing spare keys securely is emphasized, with suggestions such as keeping them in a wallet, file cabinet, or personal safe. This mirrors the physical world, where we keep spare keys in safe and accessible locations to avoid inconvenience.
The FAQ section addresses common queries, such as the number of spares to acquire, the compatibility of spare keys with the primary key, and the importance of immediate registration. The emphasis on registering backup keys promptly underscores the proactive approach needed to ensure their effectiveness in the event of a lost primary key.
In conclusion, the practice of having spare keys for digital devices, especially when using a YubiKey for added security, is a cornerstone of robust cybersecurity. This comprehensive strategy aligns with industry best practices and contributes to a proactive and resilient approach to digital identity protection. For those seeking to enhance their online security, acquiring a spare YubiKey is not just a recommendation – it's a prudent investment in safeguarding digital assets.
