Now that iOS 16.3 allows the use of PSK. Can someone tell us what is all about it? Is that accessible? Can it be use in iPad also and which would be the best one to get.
Solo-keys are the most accessible. They have both type-a and type-c usb variants,with both newer variants featuring nfc capability. The current variations feature a physical button that gives great feedback, while the newer generations are going to feature touch buttons on both sides, so it will activate regardless of which side button you press. Both have their benefits. The solo key also features upgradeable firmware unlike
where they make you buy a new one every time they make a change. That being said, it is still safe because only signed firmware packages can be installed, and updates are explicitly decided by the user, never automatic.yubikey
Is this an additional layer of security in case phones are lost or stolen? I'm naive, and I have never had my iPhone lost or stolen. Is that the point? For all of us who have had our phones stolen or lost?
It's an exponentially more secure version of two-factor authentication. Rather than using an easily interceptable auth code it uses a physical security key such as the one described above, which you either plug into your computer or tap to your phone. It makes your accounts virtually impenetrable.
I'm very interested in this. How is cross-platform accessibility for screen reader users? I want to use it on my iphone, windows machine, and mac but I've been scared to lay down money for any of them because of the nightmare of finding something that works on everything.
I've been using Yubikeys for years, currently primarily using a pair of Yubikey 5Cis which have both lightning and USB-C connectors.
I use them across Mac, iOS and Windows and there usually isn't an accessibility issue. When actually using the key to sign in you normally just get a browser or system prompt, plug in the key and touch the contacts and all is good. The only times I've found accessibility challenging at all is registering a key with a service as that'll generally be as usable as the service's main web interface itself.
The only two quirks I'd highlight with using a physical key are firstly the need to get two as otherwise if you loose the key it'll be a bad day. Most services let you register multiple keys, take one with you, keep the other in a safe place.
Secondly the compatibility of the keys over USB-C on iPads has been a bit of a mess for a while due to the protocols Apple allowed accessories to use over the USB-C connector. I personally still use an iPad Air with lightning so haven't had to deal with this but from what I understand it's improved a lot recently due to some OS changes.
Comments
solo keys are the best option
Solo-keys are the most accessible. They have both type-a and type-c usb variants,with both newer variants featuring nfc capability. The current variations feature a physical button that gives great feedback, while the newer generations are going to feature touch buttons on both sides, so it will activate regardless of which side button you press. Both have their benefits. The solo key also features upgradeable firmware unlike
where they make you buy a new one every time they make a change. That being said, it is still safe because only signed firmware packages can be installed, and updates are explicitly decided by the user, never automatic.yubikey
Sorry, I'm a little fuzzy on the goal
Is this an additional layer of security in case phones are lost or stolen? I'm naive, and I have never had my iPhone lost or stolen. Is that the point? For all of us who have had our phones stolen or lost?
Bruce Harrell
No. I think is for 2 factor identification. You use the key instead of that. Not to sure about it. This is why I ask.
Holger's right
It's an exponentially more secure version of two-factor authentication. Rather than using an easily interceptable auth code it uses a physical security key such as the one described above, which you either plug into your computer or tap to your phone. It makes your accounts virtually impenetrable.
@jack
I'm very interested in this. How is cross-platform accessibility for screen reader users? I want to use it on my iphone, windows machine, and mac but I've been scared to lay down money for any of them because of the nightmare of finding something that works on everything.
Accessibility of physical keys
I've been using Yubikeys for years, currently primarily using a pair of Yubikey 5Cis which have both lightning and USB-C connectors.
I use them across Mac, iOS and Windows and there usually isn't an accessibility issue. When actually using the key to sign in you normally just get a browser or system prompt, plug in the key and touch the contacts and all is good. The only times I've found accessibility challenging at all is registering a key with a service as that'll generally be as usable as the service's main web interface itself.
The only two quirks I'd highlight with using a physical key are firstly the need to get two as otherwise if you loose the key it'll be a bad day. Most services let you register multiple keys, take one with you, keep the other in a safe place.
Secondly the compatibility of the keys over USB-C on iPads has been a bit of a mess for a while due to the protocols Apple allowed accessories to use over the USB-C connector. I personally still use an iPad Air with lightning so haven't had to deal with this but from what I understand it's improved a lot recently due to some OS changes.