YubiKey 5 FIPS Series
The YubiKey 5 FIPS Series is a family of FIPS-certified hardware security keys designed for organizations that require the highest level of authentication assurance, including government agencies, defense organizations, healthcare, finance, and other regulated industries.
Key Features
- FIPS 140-2 validated hardware for regulated environments.
- Meets NIST SP 800-63B Authentication Assurance Level 3 (AAL3) requirements.
- Supports passwordless, multi-factor (MFA), and strong two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Compatible with USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, and NFC interfaces.
- Works with cloud services, VPNs, enterprise applications, and secure workstation logins.
Authentication Protocols
- FIDO2 / WebAuthn
- FIDO U2F
- Smart Card (PIV)
- OpenPGP
- Yubico OTP
- OATH-HOTP
- OATH-TOTP
- Challenge-Response
Benefits
- Phishing-resistant authentication.
- Hardware-based credential protection.
- No batteries or network connection required.
- Durable, water-resistant, and crush-resistant design.
- Ideal for large enterprise deployments and government compliance.
Available Interfaces
- USB-A
- USB-C
- Lightning (for iPhone/iPad compatibility)
- NFC (for Android and NFC-enabled devices)
YubiKey Bio Series
The YubiKey Bio Series combines Yubico’s hardware security with built-in fingerprint authentication, enabling secure and convenient passwordless sign-ins.
Key Features
- Integrated fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
- Fingerprint templates are securely stored inside the key’s secure element—they never leave the device.
- Designed primarily for desktop and laptop authentication.
- Supports passwordless authentication without relying on cloud-stored biometric data.
Authentication Protocols
- FIDO2 / WebAuthn
- FIDO U2F
Operating System Compatibility
Works out of the box with:
- Windows
- macOS
- ChromeOS
- Linux
Browser Support
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Other WebAuthn-compatible browsers
Available Models
- USB-A
- USB-C
Comparison
| Feature | YubiKey 5 FIPS | YubiKey Bio |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Government & regulated industries | Passwordless biometric login |
| Certification | FIPS 140-2 validated | Not FIPS-certified |
| Fingerprint Authentication | No | Yes |
| FIDO2/WebAuthn | ✔ | ✔ |
| FIDO U2F | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart Card (PIV) | ✔ | ✖ |
| OpenPGP | ✔ | ✖ |
| OTP Support | ✔ | ✖ |
| NFC Models | ✔ | ✖ |
| Lightning Models | ✔ | ✖ |
| USB-A | ✔ | ✔ |
| USB-C | ✔ | ✔ |
Recommended Use
- Choose the YubiKey 5 FIPS Series if your organization requires regulatory compliance, smart card support, or advanced authentication protocols.
- Choose the YubiKey Bio Series if you want a convenient, passwordless experience using fingerprint authentication for everyday desktop security.
