Introduction
With threat actors going after organizations of all different sizes, each and every one of us must beware cyberattacks aimed at stealing our private data. Traditional security measures, like passwords and even less-secure methods of multi-factor authentication, often fail under hackers’ pressure.
When threat actors come for you online, physical devices can offer robust protection and thereby secure your data in a removed, secure way. Hardware keys and hardware crypto wallets as safe from online threats as the wallets holding your credit cards and ID.
So when it comes to hardware keys, what do you need to know about how these tools help secure your data?
How do Hardware Keys Protect Against Common Cybersecurity Risks?
Some of the most common threats come in the form of malware. This malicious software can disrupt, gain unauthorized access to, or otherwise damage your computer systems. It allows hackers to steal sensitive information, delete files, and even take control of your device!
Hardware keys thereby provide an additional layer of security beyond passwords, so that even if they successfully compromise a password, attackers cannot access your account without the physical device. That makes hardware keys an extremely strong form of MFA!
Since they require a physical device for authentication, that also makes them immune to phishing attacks. Even if cybercriminals trick users into revealing their login credentials, they can’t get in without the physical key. Furthermore, hardware keys use cryptographic signatures to verify the user’s identity and therefore they cannot be easily replicated or intercepted.
Inside Hardware Crypto Wallets
Over 560M people use cryptocurrency around the world. As a result, crypto has developed its own physical protections as well.
Hardware crypto wallets store and manage cryptocurrency, by offering the same robust security features as other hardware keys and involving additional benefits tailored to the unique needs of cryptocurrency users. Because they store private keys offline, they naturally have immunity against online hacking attempts and unauthorized money transfers. To approve changes to your finances, you must physically confirm the transaction on your device.
Additionally, most hardware wallets provide secure backup and recovery options. This protects your digital assets even if the device is lost or damaged. That provides a crucial layer of redundancy and security for your cryptocurrency!
Conclusion
Cybercriminals use various methods, such as brute force attacks or social engineering, to steal your passwords. Once they have access to one of your accounts, they can compromise and steal your data. Since they are built with high-grade security measures, hardware keys are resistant to such tampering and damage. Only the authorized user can access the protected data, because only they can get into the on-hand device.
By incorporating hardware keys as MFA, you significantly reduce your reliance on passwords and therefore minimize the risk associated with weak or reused credentials. These physical devices also enhance the security of your sensitive data and digital assets.
Do you plan to incorporate hardware keys into your cyber-defense strategy?
The post How Do Hardware Keys Secure Your Data? appeared first on Cybersafe.