This Dh66 key can shield you from hackers

The YubiKey is a small gizmo that connects via USB that tells services that you are actually you.

In the aftermath of the WannaCry and Petya hack attacks, you're probably wary that you'd spend tonnes of cash to recover your precious data in the event you're actually infected by these malware.
How about something below Dh100 to protect you from these sneaky cyber-crooks?
When you log in to your account on a new device - such as Gmail, Facebook, etc - it requires two-factor authentication (2FA), needing both your password and another code sent to you, usually via SMS. That's not safe if a hacker is lurking around your network, and even impossible if you're not connected to a cellular network.
This is where Yubico's YubiKey comes in. Basically, it's a small gizmo that connects via USB that tells services that you are actually you.
The $18 (Dh66) YubiKey works like 2FA, but it's actually based on the universal second factor (U2F), an emerging open authentication standard from the FIDO Alliance.
Two simple steps: log in to your account, insert the YubiKey and touch the gold key button, and - voila! - you're authenticated.
Put simply, touching the button triggers security based on public key cryptography; it works instantly, replacing codes sent via SMS, legacy tokens, authentication apps and the likes.
After touching it, the YubiKey creates a one-time password to log in to your account. And since it's a physical key, there's practically zero chance your data will be hijacked.
However, it's not a biometric device; touching the button triggers a small electrical charge that activates the YubiKey.
While it doesn't work for all accounts that support 2FA, a number of bigwigs, including Google, Facebook, DropBox and Symantec, support the YubiKey. Over 60 services, actually, which are on this list.
Many researchers say that the YubiKey is the best way to protect yourself from phishing. And Yubico actually backs this up: the American-Swedish company boasted a "huge spike" for its YubiKey last year.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com