What is a hardware security key?

A hardware security key is a physical device used for two-factor authentication. It must be present during sign-in and performs cryptographic checks to verify your identity.

Can I use a YubiKey with Proton Pass?

Yes. Proton Pass supports hardware security keys such as YubiKey as part of your Proton account’s two-factor authentication setup.

Are security keys better than authenticator apps?

Security keys offer stronger protection against phishing and impersonation attacks because they require a physical device and verify the legitimacy of the website during sign-in.

What happens if I lose my security key?

Users should keep backup security keys or recovery options in place. Proton provides account recovery processes to help prevent permanent lockout if a key is lost.

By Paul O'Brien in Account Security — Sep 22, 2024

Using YubiKey and Security Keys with Proton Pass

A practical guide to using YubiKey and other security keys with Proton Pass for stronger two-factor authentication.

Using hardware security keys such as YubiKey adds a physical layer of protection to Proton Pass and your online accounts.

Passwords alone are no longer enough to protect online accounts. As phishing attacks become more convincing and credential leaks more common, stronger forms of authentication are increasingly necessary.

One of the most effective options available today is hardware-based two-factor authentication (2FA) using security keys such as YubiKey. Proton Pass supports this approach, allowing users to add an extra physical layer of protection to their accounts.

This guide explains how security keys work with Proton Pass, why they matter, and whether they’re the right choice for your setup.

Why hardware security keys matter

Most two-factor authentication methods rely on something you know (a password) and something you have (a phone, app, or device). The problem is that many common 2FA methods still have weaknesses.

For example:

SMS codes can be intercepted
Authenticator apps can be tricked by phishing
Push notifications can be abused through prompt fatigue

Hardware security keys work differently. They require a physical device to be present at the time of login, which makes remote attacks significantly harder.

If a phishing site tricks you into entering your password, a security key still won’t authenticate unless it’s physically connected and cryptographically verified.

What is YubiKey (and similar security keys)?

YubiKey is one of the most widely used hardware security keys, but it isn’t the only option. Other security keys follow the same standards and work in a similar way.

These devices:

Plug into USB-A, USB-C, or connect via NFC
Use open standards like FIDO2 and WebAuthn
Don’t rely on shared secrets or one-time codes
Perform cryptographic checks unique to each service

Because the key verifies the website itself, it protects against fake login pages in a way that traditional 2FA methods cannot.

How Proton Pass supports security keys

Setting up two-factor authentication in Proton Pass using a hardware security key — Using a hardware security key adds a physical layer of protection when signing in to Proton Pass.

Proton Pass allows you to use hardware security keys as part of your account’s two-factor authentication setup.

Instead of relying solely on passwords or authenticator apps, you can require:

Your account password
Plus a physical security key

This means access to your Proton account — including Proton Pass — requires something you physically possess.

Security keys work across:

Desktop browsers
Supported mobile devices
Multiple platforms, depending on the key type

Once configured, logging in becomes both more secure and, in many cases, faster than entering codes manually.

Using Proton Pass with a security key

From a user perspective, the experience is straightforward.

When you sign in:

You enter your password
Proton prompts you to use your security key
You insert or tap the key
Authentication completes instantly

There are no codes to copy, no apps to open, and nothing to memorise beyond your password.

This simplicity is one of the reasons security keys are often recommended for people who want strong protection without added complexity.

Who should consider using a security key?

Hardware security keys aren’t necessary for everyone, but they are especially useful if:

You store sensitive information in Proton Pass
You manage multiple online accounts
You’re concerned about phishing attacks
You want protection that doesn’t rely on your phone
You prefer physical security controls

They’re also popular with journalists, developers, privacy-conscious users, and anyone who wants stronger assurance that their account cannot be accessed remotely.

Security keys vs other 2FA methods

Security keys don’t replace all forms of two-factor authentication, they strengthen them.

Compared to other methods:

SMS codes: convenient, but vulnerable
Authenticator apps: strong, but still phishable
Security keys: resistant to phishing and impersonation

Many users choose to combine methods, using a security key as their primary option and keeping another method as a fallback.

Things to consider before enabling a security key

Before switching to hardware-based 2FA, it’s worth planning ahead.

Consider:

Keeping at least one backup security key
Storing recovery options securely
Ensuring your devices support the key type
Understanding Proton’s account recovery process

Like any strong security measure, preparation matters. The goal is to improve protection without locking yourself out.

Final thoughts

Using a YubiKey or similar security key with Proton Pass adds a powerful layer of defence against modern account attacks. It moves security beyond passwords and codes and ties access to something physical you control.

For users who value privacy and long-term account protection, hardware-based authentication is one of the most effective upgrades you can make.

If you’re already using Proton Pass, adding a security key is a logical next step toward a more resilient security setup.