---
title: "USB Security Keys and Hardware Tokens"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10736632690/USB%20Security%20Keys%20and%20Hardware%20Tokens"
format: markdown
---
<span style="color: #333333">If you install the free Duo Mobile app on your smartphone, you do not need a USB Security Key or hardware token. However, if you do not wish to use your phone, you may purchase a USB security key. These devices do not need to be connected to a network.</span>

## <span style="color: #333333">USB Security Keys</span>

### <span style="color: #333333">Faculty, staff and students who do not want to use a personal device may purchase a physical security key. </span>

> ⚠️ <span style="color: #333333"> These keys are incompatible with the Remote Desktop Gateway. You will need to use the Duo Mobile App or switch to the </span>[AnyConnect VPN](https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10726900354/Virtual+Private+Network+(VPN))<span style="color: #333333"> </span>

## <span style="color: #333333">Step 1: Learn about USB Security Keys</span>

<span style="color: #333333">USB Security Keys (commonly referred to as YubiKeys) are small devices that plug into your device and allow you to verify your identity in place of a phone. When the key is plugged into your device, you accept a Duo prompt by touching the button on the key.</span>

<span style="color: #333333">If you believe that you need a security key, please reach out to ITS at </span><span style="color: #333333">[techsupport.uconn.edu](https://techsupport.uconn.edu/)</span><span style="color: #333333">, or swing by the Technology Support Center on Level 1 of Homer Babbidge Library. ITS will advise you and can help you purchase the key. </span>

## <span style="color: #333333">Step 2: Buying Security Keys</span>

<span style="color: #333333">If you have been advised to purchase a security key, you will find that there are many different models. </span>

ITS recommends the YubiKey Series 5 from Yubico. They are available with different connector types (USB-A or USB-C) to match your device<span style="color: #333333">. They can be found here: </span>[Yubikey Security Key by Yubico](https://www.yubico.com/product/security-key-series/security-key-c-nfc-by-yubico-black/)<span style="color: #333333"> (or </span><span style="color: #333333">[CDW](https://www.cdw.com/product/yubico-security-key-c-nfc-two-factor-usb-c-authentication-key/9039311?pfm=srh)</span><span style="color: #333333">) and the full product line, including carrying cases, can be found here: </span>[https://www.yubico.com/products/](https://www.yubico.com/products/)<span style="color: #333333">.</span>

![image-20260818-183031.png](media://44841c2d-ccb3-4021-a7b5-31b1196243aa)

![image-20260818-184110.png](media://c126eba9-15c1-421f-8f27-a8e7dabddb85)

## <span style="color: #333333">Step 3: Register Keys</span>

> 📝 The steps below can be used to register your security key for use with UConn SSO. To use a security key with RDP or SSH connections please use these registration steps: [Setting up a YubiKey for Remote Desktop (RDP) or SSH](https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/28984213505)

1. <span style="color: #333333">Navigate to </span><span style="color: #333333">[https://uconn.login.duosecurity.com/devices](https://uconn.login.duosecurity.com/devices)</span>
2. <span style="color: #333333">Log in using your UConn email address and NetID password.</span>
3. <span style="color: #333333">If you need to, authorize yourself with your current method by accepting the Duo push/text.</span>
4. <span style="color: #333333">Click on Add a device</span>
5. <span style="color: #333333">Choose Security Key.</span>
6. <span style="color: #333333">Click Continue.</span>
7. <span style="color: #333333">In the popup window, choose External security key or built-in sensor.</span>
  1. <span style="color: #333333">Note that the wording may differ browser by browser. Do not choose the QR code option.</span>
8. <span style="color: #333333">Plug in your key and tap on the button.</span>
  <span style="color: #333333">Remember the button is capacitive touch: it is akin to touching a smartphone screen and does not depress.</span>
9. <span style="color: #333333">Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your setup.</span>

![image-20260818-182906.png](media://a97a671a-d9e3-44eb-bc8a-c248f44a80ad)

![image-20260818-184155.png](media://b2a672b2-11e7-429a-a9b2-eb82dad0baab)

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