Hardware Key

Definitions

1. A physical security device used to authenticate a user or perform cryptographic operations, often through standards such as FIDO2 or smart-card protocols. Hardware keys improve phishing resistance because secrets or signing operations stay on the device instead of being typed into websites.

   In plain English: A physical device used to prove identity more securely than a password alone.

   Example: "Admins were required to use a hardware key for privileged logins to the production environment."

Related Terms

• Two-Factor Authentication
• Out-of-Band Authentication
• SIM Swapping
• Time-Based One-Time Password
• Authentication Factor
• Hardware Token
• Multi-Factor
• One-Time Password
• Physical Token