When it comes to protecting your data, SMS-based or app-based two-factor authentication using your smartphone is more secure than depending only on passwords. But it can also be time-consuming to set up and use. Hardware-based security keys provide a fast, no-fuss way to use two-factor authentication without having to mess around with your phone. They are based on the FIDO U2F standard, a security protocol that is difficult to intercept; it was developed by Google and security company Yubico, and is now administered by the FIDO Alliance.
