Yubikey - Authentication Hardware

Owned by kayre
Last updated: Sept 23, 2021 by Lori Bakken
4 min read

Before you get Started



Before you can add a Yubikey to your account, you will need to register for Multi-Factor authentication/two-factor authentication (2FA). Primary set-up information can be found here.  Get your Yubikey from IT.  Add it to your keychain if you want, through the reinforced loop in the middle, write your name on the back with a sharpie if there is space.  





Getting Started



To get started, log into your Microsoft Account - https://myaccount.microsoft.com/





Go to Security info select + Add method





To add a method, you will need to authenticate with your default sign-in method.  This will be a phone call or text to the number you registered for authentication. It can be an office phone with a local extension, you are not required to use your personal cellphone, but it will be easier. 

Once your Yubikey is set-up, there is no need for you to have a phone to authenticate moving forward, but you do need one for the initial set-up. Primary set-up information can be found here. If you need a general number to use, call your friend in IT to get started - contact IT - 250.304.6500; Extension 55255; Toll Free: 1.844.304.6500; ithelpdesk@selkirk.ca 

Setting up your Security key

From the dropdown menu select Security key

You will now need to authenticate using the default phone number in the initial set-up.



Enter the authentication code



You will need to create a PIN for your security key.





Select the type of Security Key you are using - default to USB device.  Although the blue USBs have NFC capability, I am not sure what that means. IT knows, you can call them, but trust me, selecting USB will be perfectly sufficient. 





Now, have your Yubikey ready to insert into your computer's USB port



Plugging in your Yubikey







The Yubikey is just like a USB, only thinner, and uses the same port on your computer.  Now for a meme to remind you to keep trying if it doesn't insert the first time . If you have a mac like the first picture, this doesn't apply to you.  Leave it to Apple to solve one of life's great mysteries. 





Once you insert your Yubikey, you will get a prompt





Click OK, and follow the Continue setup instructions.  The first time I did this it wouldn't work, it claimed I was using a private browser, which I wasn't.  To complete the set-up I had to switch browsers (from Chrome to Firefox), and only then was I able to complete the set-up.  If you run into a similar hiccup, or another blocker, check out our FAQs. 





Gently touch the circle in the middle of your Yubikey while it is plugged in to the USB port.  Mac Yubikey's may also have a little circle, they may not.  The computer you are using will register the type of Yubikey and issue the appropriate prompts.





Name your Yubikey



Enter a security key name - ideally your first and last name, into the field provided.





If you get the You're all set! notification - Congratulations your Yubikey is set-up as your primary authentication method.





Moving Forward

You can update or change your Security info via your Microsoft account settings. You will see the security key listed as one of your authentication methods.  If you lose or have issues authenticating with your Yubikey, call IT (EX 55525).  Keep it safe, add it to your keychain and if you travel between offices, carry it with you.