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Wife and I want to use YUBICO security keys, how many are needed, i.e., 3 or 4?

To use YUBICO security w my Apple devices, I saw that Apple requires at least 2 YUBICO security keys so that there is a backup. I ordered 3 YUBICOs so that I would have a primary and a backup, and I ordered one YUBICO for my wife. Will this setup work, or do I need 4 YUBICO keys so that we each have one and and we each have a separate backup?


Posted on May 26, 2023 7:58 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 27, 2023 4:46 PM


Thank you for contacting Yubico Support. 

 

Thank you John Galt, but your guidance was NOT correct. According to YUBICO, I do not need a primary and backup security key for myself (using my Apple ID) and a separate primary and backup key for my wife. Yubico tech says that I may have a primary for myself, and a primary for my wife (she has her own Apple ID, and one BU Yubico will suffice and work for both of us. The YUBICO response follows: In your case specifically, the best arrangement would be to each have your own Primary Key, and the third Key can be the second (spare) Key can be for both of your accounts. We would recommend keeping this Key in a safe sedentary location. I hope this clarifies things for you.

 

Please let me know if you would have any further questions, I will go ahead and close this ticket but don't worry if you would reply back the ticket will open itself and I will happily assist you further. Have a lovely day!

Best,

Gabe | Customer Support Specialist at Yubico

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 27, 2023 4:46 PM in response to John Galt


Thank you for contacting Yubico Support. 

 

Thank you John Galt, but your guidance was NOT correct. According to YUBICO, I do not need a primary and backup security key for myself (using my Apple ID) and a separate primary and backup key for my wife. Yubico tech says that I may have a primary for myself, and a primary for my wife (she has her own Apple ID, and one BU Yubico will suffice and work for both of us. The YUBICO response follows: In your case specifically, the best arrangement would be to each have your own Primary Key, and the third Key can be the second (spare) Key can be for both of your accounts. We would recommend keeping this Key in a safe sedentary location. I hope this clarifies things for you.

 

Please let me know if you would have any further questions, I will go ahead and close this ticket but don't worry if you would reply back the ticket will open itself and I will happily assist you further. Have a lovely day!

Best,

Gabe | Customer Support Specialist at Yubico

May 26, 2023 8:13 AM in response to Stormy LC

Each user of an Apple device should have his or her own Apple ID, regardless of any personal relationship:


About Security Keys for Apple ID - Apple Support (emphasis added).


That essentially answers your question: one for each of you, plus at least one backup, for each of you.


More on the subject, including Family Sharing: Make sure that each family member has a unique Apple ID - Apple Support

May 27, 2023 6:48 PM in response to Stormy LC

If I understand Gabe correctly, I can lose my Yubikey and use someone else's Yubikey to recover my Apple ID. Ok!


We would recommend keeping this Key in a safe sedentary location.


🙄


On the subject of Apple ID security I will abide by Apple's recommendations instead.


You're responsible for maintaining access to your security keys. If you lose all of your trusted devices and security keys, you could be locked out of your account permanently.

Mar 23, 2024 4:08 PM in response to John Galt

I feel your pain John. Apple has created a cult like following and they simply will NOT allow anything BUT their overpriced items to work. This is why I recently returned my Apple Ultra watch... NO MORE APPLE PRODUCTS! And btw "Apple" Get it together! This isn't about YOU. Perhaps you should re evaluate what your founder created and the values and mission of the company, as I am certain he is EXTREMELY disappointed in the direction you ALL are taking his company into the future!

Sincerely,

Disappointed in Apple Team

#notafan, #toobigtoofail #thinkagain

Wife and I want to use YUBICO security keys, how many are needed, i.e., 3 or 4?

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