Google Launches New Titan Security Key With NFC

It is obvious that in this day and age, the good old username and password combination is no longer sufficient to protect our online accounts. This is because passwords can be guessed and cracked, which is why we’re seeing 2FA become more common, as well as biometric security like fingerprint or facial recognition.

Another form, which is slowly gaining in popularity, is the security key. This is a dongle that you attach to a device that basically authenticates you for all your logins as long as it remains plugged in. Now it looks like Google is back with a newer and updated version of its Titan Security Key, which was initially launched back in 2018.

With the new model, Google has done away with the use of Bluetooth in favor of NFC. Google reassures that the current Bluetooth models will continue to work, but they note that, “Since NFC functionality is now supported by a wide range of Android phones and iPhones, we are discontinuing the Bluetooth Titan Security Key and focusing on the easier and more widely available NFC capability.”

There will be two models available – USB-A and USB-C, so depending on your device’s port, you can choose either. Google notes that it will play nicely with devices like the iPad Pro that have switched over to USB-C. If you’re keen, Google is selling the keys via its store where the USB-A version will cost $30, while the USB-C version will go for $35.

Tyler Lee
Categories: General
Tags: Google, Security