MOBILE ACCESS

Yubico of Palo Alto, California, has expanded the capabilities of its YubiKey USB authentication device to secure access to near field communications (NFC)-enabled mobile devices. When the Yubi­Key NEO is introduced to an NFC-enabled smartphone, the phone reads the key, which emits a securely encrypted one-time password. The rug-ged key-sized device fits on a keychain and includes NFC contactless technology, as well as a USB interface for use with a computer. Third parties have created applications that support the device and make it even more useful; for example, Last­Pass has an app that allows users to unlock their password vaults by swiping the key against the NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet.