In the ever-expanding quest for two-factor authentication, Google has launched its own gear for Gmail and other devices.

Itty bitty security

Google’s thumb-sized authentication keys are meant to compete with leading brands like Yubico, and Google is very proud of their FIDO-compatible Titan Security Keys.

Offering one version with Bluetooth support intended for mobile devices and another that plugs directly to a PC’s USB port, there’s a little security for whatever your taste.

Some are sighting a great deal of similarity in comparison to the Yubico keys but this could be a case of “if it ain’t broke” as reports suggest that Google designed their own inhouse.

Shots fired

Yubico, having already caught wind of Google’s fancy new keys, has taken a few jabs in clarifying the difference between security devices.

According to Yubico CEO Stina Ehrensvard, they decided not to launch a Bluetooth security key, siting it “does not meet our standards of security, usability, and durability.”

Apparently NFC and USB are the gold standard of cyber security two-factor authentication and Bluetooth (BLE) just isn’t up to par. Keys are expected to come in around the $25 price point.

Are you familiar with NFC and USB versus BLE? Do you use security keys in your day to day? What do you think of the latest product from Google? Let us know in the comments.