Although security experts usually recommend two-factor authentication to protect sensitive, online information, Google has added their own type of additional security to their Chrome browser. Known as security keys, these work on the same principle as two-factor authentication, prompting users to provide a second form of identification to gain access.

Google’s security keys require users to insert a USB device that holds a key into a USB port. Instead of typing a code, the user taps the USB device when prompted by Chrome. This action serves as verification that the site asking for the user’s identification is a real website and not malicious.

Because the security key requires a USB port, it won’t work with mobile devices, nor will it work with other browsers at this time. Google’s security keys use an authentication standard from the FIDO Alliance and if other browsers choose to implement this standard, only then would the security key work with other browsers.

USB devices holding security keys are available from FIDO-approved vendors.

(Images from Yubico.)