GitHub Introduces Logging Via USB Key

The popular online platform for developers GitHub has a new method added to allow users to login securely and advises developers to also to add their own software to the login method. It is the Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) standard of FIDO Alliance.

It is an authentication standard that during the next logon password also checks the presence of a U2F USB key. This hardware key acts as a second security factor. The key works only on the real website of GitHub, which as phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks must be prevented. U2F standard supports several platforms and browsers and requires no installation of drivers or software.

There are several manufacturers that offer U2F USB keys, which can all be used, but GitHub has launched an action with Yubico, provider of the YubiKey. Before developers on GitHub can log in via the USB key they need to be first through their account register. Last year, decided Google already U2F in to Google Accounts and set in August did Dropbox so. U2F as said from the FIDO Alliance, an alliance of IT companies like Microsoft, ING, Google and Intel, who want an end to the password and therefore working on alternative solutions.

Dropbox Secure Accounts With USB Key

Users who want to protect their Dropbox account additional courses may also log in via a USB key. The 'security key' functions as a second security factor during login. Once the password is entered, the presence of the Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) security key checked. In addition, the USB device works only on dropbox.com and can thus prevent phishing.

According Dropbox security key, thus providing protection to more than two-factor authentication via SMS is the case. For the login makes use of the security key U2F-protocol developed by the FIDO Alliance. This is an alliance of IT companies that want to eliminate the password and therefore come up with alternative solutions.

Dropbox users to log in via the USB key will first set in their account. At this moment U2F only dropbox.com in conjunction with Google Chrome. The USB key is via different suppliers to obtain. Last year, Google decided U2F for logging in to Google Accounts support .