Usernames and passwords are the first line of defense for your online accounts. However, against brute-force attacks, data breaches, sophisticated phishing, and now AI-based automated attacks, they are often far from sufficient.
In response to modern cyber threats, many online companies and services have implemented two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) and passwordless authentication, which make it more difficult to compromise an account. However, if you need to go further, a security key is your best bet.
Even if a cybercriminal has obtained your username and password or compromised your mobile device, they won't be able to infiltrate your account without access to the physical key. If you are considered more at risk than the average user, some service providers may require you to purchase one. They can be complicated to set up, unfortunately, but the improvement in your personal security can be worth it.
Also: How passkeys work: The complete guide to your inevitable passwordless future
In ZDNET's January update, we overhauled our recommendations and included the Thetis Pro FIDO2 security key as one of our top picks. We also refreshed our FAQs and provided more information on the state of security key security in 2026.
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What is the best security key right now?
Our favorite security key is the Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC. It offers excellent security and convenience, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to safeguard their online accounts. This $55 key is compatible with a wide range of protocols and can be configured to provide easy authentication on mobile devices.
The ZDNET team has tested many security keys and frequently tracks market developments. Many of us use security keys ourselves and rely on our personal experience, customer feedback, and extensive research to inform our recommendations. These are the best security keys available in 2026.
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