For years, passwords have been a poor way of securing online accounts. They're too vulnerable to hacking and social engineering. While passkeys offer much more security, sometimes, having a physical dongle that you have to use to authenticate that you are actually you is the way to go. 

Also: 10 tiny tools I carry with me everywhere - how they work

This is why I've been usingYubico Yubikey security keys for years. I've had one in one form or another on my keys for years, and my Yubikey goes with me everywhere I go. 

My current Yubikey -- the Yubikey 5C NFC -- has been on my keys for almost five years now, and it's used for protecting a whole host of online accounts, from Google to Dropbox.

RECOMMENDS

Yubikey 5C NFC

The Yubikey is the password protection you can bring anywhere (even on your keychain). 

details

View at Amazon

Anywhere I'm given an opportunity to use my Yubikey as a two-factor authentication (2FA) security key, I will. It has a USB-C port and built-in NFC, so it's compatible with everything from smartphones to laptops and desktops. 

Are you worried that something that looks like a flash drive on your keys is going to get busted up and broken in no time, locking you out of your precious accounts? Don't!

Also: My new favorite keychain holder can carry up to 14 keys (and is trackable by phone)

Here's what my almost five-year-old key looks like after spending all that time on my keychain. It's scratched and dinged, but it works just fine. It's a testament to Swedish engineering. Built from glass-reinforced plastic, it's crush-resistant and IP68 rated for dust and water resistance (it's completely dustproof and can survive prolonged exposure to water). 

There's also no battery, nothing to charge, and no moving parts to break. It's the perfect security accessory for my keychain, even after years of use. 

Why I recommend this product

Why? Because it just works. And it's worked flawlessly 24/7/365 for almost five years. It's outlasted a handful of iPhones, a pile of MacBooks, and no end of other tech. And it doesn't get an easy life on my keychain, banged about in my pocket along with keys, flashlights, pocket knives, and whatever else is part of my EDC at the time.

Featured reviews

Why I recommend this$2,000 mirrorless camera to both beginners and professionals

Finally, an ultraportable Windows laptop I'd use at the office (even though it's for gamers)

Why I recommend this budget phone with a paper-like screen over other 'minimalist' devices

I replaced my Samsung OLED TV with this Sony Mini LED model for a week - and didn't regret it

• Why I recommend this$2,000 mirrorless camera to both beginners and professionals
• Finally, an ultraportable Windows laptop I'd use at the office (even though it's for gamers)
• Why I recommend this budget phone with a paper-like screen over other 'minimalist' devices
• I replaced my Samsung OLED TV with this Sony Mini LED model for a week - and didn't regret it