Apple Adds USB Security Key Support in Latest Safari Preview

Apple Adds USB Security Key Support in Latest Safari Preview

Users can enable a feature in the preview version of Safari that lets them log in with USB-based CTAP2 sticks, which offer more stringent protection than a standard text-based password.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Dec 07, 2018

The latest preview version of Apple’s Safari includes support for the WebAuthentication API that allows users to log in with USB security sticks.

Users can enable a feature in the preview version of Safari that lets them log in with USB-based CTAP2 sticks, which offer more stringent protection than a standard text-based password. USB security key use does require keeping track of a physical device, though.

USB security keys are usually combined with password use to make it more difficult to hack or phish accounts. They’re also another option for two-factor authentication systems, as opposed to text messages or authentication apps.

Safari’s addition of WebAuthn support follows that of Firefox and Google Chrome earlier this year. Some individual websites and apps also support security key use, including Twitter and Office 365.

Safari Preview release 71 is available for download now. It’s unclear whether the feature will be included in a wide-release update.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.” 3

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3