Install Yubico FIDO U2F Security Key onto Google accounts

Internet security continues to be a nuisance despite yesterday's cutting edge technologies. Unfortunately, professional hackers eventually learn to infiltrate such technologies, thereby rendering them outdated. Before installing the FIDO U2F security key, know that, although very promising, this technology may eventually suffer the same fate as its predecessors. Needless to say, it was good receiving my package in the mail today to enjoy the security while it lasts.

As you will see in the video below, the key is a physical object that you must insert into your computer's USB drive along with your password in order to login to your Google (or other) accounts. The security key emits a unique secret code to Google when you sign in.

1. As a prerequisite to this task, enable 2-step verification on your Google account

2. Log into your Gmail account

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3. Click 'My account' (or 'Account') in the top right corner of the screen

4. Click 'Signing in to Google' under the 'Signing in & Security' section as shown below.

5. Click the '2-step verification' rightward arrow. You will be asked for your password again.

6. Do not insert the security key as yet. Scroll down the page to 'Security Key' and click 'Security Key'. You will see the following popup screen.

7. Click 'next'

8. Insert the key when prompted. It should flash as shown below. Simply tap the flashing engraved key to send the code to Google.

You will receive a confirmation on your screen and another via an email from Google.