---
title: "Setting up a YubiKey for Remote Desktop (RDP) or SSH"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/28984213505/Setting%20up%20a%20YubiKey%20for%20Remote%20Desktop%20(RDP)%20or%20SSH"
format: markdown
---
If you have purchased a YubiKey to use with Duo, there is an additional step to set up the device for RDP or SSH connections. You will need to set up your YubiKey using the Yubico Authenticator for Desktop and then contact the UConn Technology Support Center to register the YubiKey.  
  
Table of contents

> Macro (toc)

## Step 1: Configure your YubiKey

1. Download the <u>[Yubico Authenticator for Desktop](https://www.yubico.com/products/yubico-authenticator/#h-download-yubico-authenticator)</u> on a macOS or Windows system.  
Note: This application is used only to program the YubiKey. This application can be uninstalled after this process is complete.
2. Plug in your YubiKey and navigate to **Slots **(the item on the left that looks like a finger tapping). Then select **2) Long Press** and finally **Yubico OTP**.
  
3. In the Yubico OTP window, enter the following:  
- Public ID: Enter any name you wish or tap the star icon (use serial) on the right to use the YubiKey serial number as the name.  
- Private ID: Use the **Generate Random** icon to generate a key.  
- Secret Key: Use the **Generate Random** icon to generate a key.  
Save these values in a safe place, you’ll need to them for future steps. If you lose them, you can repeat this process again to generate new ones.
4. Select **Save**.

##   
Step 2: Contact the Technology Support Center

> ⚠️ The Private ID and Secret Key generated in previous steps are considered sensitive credential data. They should not be included in a support ticket or transmitted over email. The Technology Support Center will advise you on the best method to send the data to them for registration in Duo.

Contact the Technology Support Center at [techsupport.uconn.edu](http://techsupport.uconn.edu) or stop by the Homer Babbidge Library in-person to register you YubiKey with your Duo account. 


### Using your YubiKey for Windows Remote Desktop (RDP)

1. Connect your YubiKey to your computer.
2. Connect to the target machine and when you reach the Duo prompt, select the **Enter a passcode** option.
3. Long-press the Yubikey to insert the passcode. You do not need to hit enter, the prompt will continue automatically.

### Using your YubiKey for Linux SSH

1. Open your terminal and SSH to the target machine.
2. When you reach the Duo prompt, do **not** select any of the listed options (1-3), just long-press your YubiKey until it fills in the prompt with your temporary code. You do **not** need to press enter, the YubiKey will input the code and complete the authentication for you.


### Using your YubiKey for SFTP

SFTP connections work similarly to SSH connections. Clients such as FileZilla should be configured to use **interactive logon**:

![image-20260807-163217.png](media://235a4078-6b75-4156-829e-30ffa5f91fdd)

When prompted to enter a passcode or select and option, simply long press the YubiKey until it fills in your temporary code. You do not have to press enter, the YubiKey will complete the authentication for you.

![image-20260807-164017.png](media://284cf9d4-26da-4d38-b22d-f617982973b6)