Yubico launches the YubiKey 5Ci - the World’s First Lightning-Compatible Security Key

Yubico, the leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, today launched the world’s first key designed with both USB-C and Lightning connectors on a single device - the YubiKey 5Ci. A major feature of the new security key is it's unique dual-connector functionality, which will be of use for consumers or businesses looking for strong hardware-backed authentication across iOS, Android, MacOS, or Windows devices.  Currently retailing at USD$70 the YubiKey 5Ci is available for purchase via yubico.com. 

The YubiKey 5Ci can be used to secure the 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, Idaptive, LastPass, and Okta iOS mobile applications along with additional services accessed through the Brave iOS browser app. Supported logins on the Brave browser include Bitbucket.org, GitHub.com, Login.gov, Twitter.com, and 1Password.com. 

"Security and privacy are the fundamental goals of every aspect of the Brave browser. We're always looking to provide a seamless and safe online experience. That means integrating the most effective authentication technologies as soon as they're available. We're excited that Brave is the first mobile browser to feature robust and secure phishing-resistant login by adding support for the YubiKey 5Ci," said Brendan Eich, CEO and Co-Founder at Brave.

Monkton Rebar and XTN also support the YubiKey 5Ci in their latest software development kits.

 “The YubiKey is the Root of Trust protecting access to our customers’ critical and most sensitive data. XTN supports strong hardware-backed authentication with the YubiKey to ensure our customers have access to the best software and hardware technologies. Now, with support for the new YubiKey 5Ci, we’re making it possible for our customers to leverage a portable hardware-backed root of trust for logging into multiple devices, including iPhones and iPads,” added Guido Ronchetti, CTO at XTN.

Yubico's core invention is the YubiKey, which delivers strong hardware protection, with a simple touch, across any number of IT systems and online services. The YubiHSM, Yubico’s ultra-portable hardware security module, protects sensitive data stored in servers. However, to support a growing ecosystem, Yubico continues to work with industry leading iOS applications and browser supported services through the Yubico Developer Program. Partners with anticipated YubiKey 5Ci app support include: Dropbox, Keeper Security, SecMaker, and more. 

Yubico is a leading contributor to the FIDO2, WebAuthn, and FIDO Universal 2nd Factor open authentication standards, and the company’s technology is deployed and loved by 9 of the top 10 internet brands and by millions of users in 160 countries.

Authentication with the YubiKey 5Ci is also available over a USB-C connection, which is compatible with nearly every USB-C equipped laptop or mobile device, working with hundreds of applications and services listed in the Works with YubiKey catalog today.  Some capabilities are not currently supported on iPad Pro models with USB-C ports.

“The YubiKey 5Ci fills a critical gap in the mobile authentication ecosystem,” said Jerrod Chong, Chief Solutions Officer, Yubico. “It is the first iOS-friendly security key on the market to offer strong, yet simple authentication over a Lightning connection, while still delivering a unified experience across other mobile, desktop or laptop devices. In an increasingly mobile-first world, where users are not tied to one machine, the YubiKey 5Ci serves an important role as a portable root of trust, proving that users are who they say they are, no matter what device they are on.”

As the latest addition to the multi-protocol YubiKey 5 Series product line, the YubiKey 5Ci is equipped with FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, OTP (one-time password), PIV (Smart Card), and OpenPGP. With support for multiple authentication protocols, the YubiKey 5Ci delivers strong multi-factor (MFA), second-factor (2FA), and single-factor passwordless authentication for a simple and seamless user experience across the entire computing ecosystem.

Application developers interested in adding support for the YubiKey 5Ci into their iOS mobile apps, can access the Yubico Mobile SDK for iOS — along with other helpful resources such as implementation guides, webinars, or reference code — at developers.yubico.com/yubikey5ci.