U2F Devices as Security Options for Project Management Software

Hackers are becoming crafty with time, launching more sophisticated attacks that lead to costly data breaches and losses of currency, cash, or digital data. Luckily, with U2F devices, people can safeguard their online operations more effectively, stopping malicious individuals in their cyber attacks. And while these devices require some time to get used to, they make up for this by offering an extra layer of security and giving you peace of mind all the time.

Hackers are becoming crafty with time, launching more sophisticated attacks that lead to costly data breaches and losses of currency, cash, or digital data. Luckily, with U2F devices, people can safeguard their online operations more effectively, stopping malicious individuals in their cyber attacks. And while these devices require some time to get used to, they make up for this by offering an extra layer of security and giving you peace of mind all the time.

Why Protecting Software and Sensitive Data is a Priority Today

Modern technology and the internet have brought a host of benefits to businesses and individuals. However, the black market with cybercrimes thriving has developed, as well.
For most cybercriminals, hacking and accessing other people’s data is a business. Others just do it out of curiosity. These hackers are, therefore, continually devising new and more creative ways to infiltrate computer networks, databases, websites, and basically anything that connects to the web.

The consequences, of course, can be dire. Some of these include:

  • The hijacking of accounts usernames and passwords. Once a hacker has your username and password, they can access your account and do whatever they want with your data.
  • Theft of sensitive data. You can lose some essential documents you have stored on your computer or online platform. This data, if valuable, may be sold to a third party.
  • Abuse and tampering with useful information. Hackers may alter, misuse, expose or tamper with your data or software.
  • Distribution of damaging malware that may disrupt or destroy your software or computer programs.

Cyberattacks are increasing by the day. And the main reasons for this trend are weak passwords, outdated security software, and lack of encryption. The majority of gadgets on the market today are internet-enabled but have no security plan. This lag in security means that it falls upon you, as an individual or business, to protect your software or sensitive documents from malicious hackers. Read on to discover one of the most efficient security options available today.

U2F Devices as Reliable Security Options

U2F devices are physical keys that users insert into the USB ports of their computers. However, some of them have NFC support so that they can be used with Android phones.
How do these devices offer better security to the user? U2F devices are connected to computers after the user inputs their passwords. After that, these devices use encryption, containing private keys linked to users’ public ones, to unlock accounts on Gmail, Facebook, and so forth.

If you do not have the physical key at hand, then you will not access your account on any platform. The same applies to anyone who wants to access your accounts. Consequently, hackers and other malicious individuals, e.g., key loggers, won’t be able to steal your passwords since U2F encrypts all of the data.

That said, U2F devices offer better security over the usual two-factor authentication. Here’s why:

  • They allow for browser checks, thus, ensuring that the devices are communicating with real sites using encryption. As such, users can’t be tricked into providing their two-factor codes into malicious sites.
  • Since the browsers transmit the code to the site directly, a hacker in between can’t access the temporary two-factor code and provide it on the real site to view your account.

U2F Devices for Document & Project Management Software (Confluence & Jira)

Thanks to these apps by Alpha Serve (2FA for Confluence: U2F & TOTP and 2FA for Jira: U2F & TOTP), projects and documents on Jira and Confluence, respectively, can be protected using U2F devices. These solutions allow every user to pick an authentication factor that fits best. By using a U2F gadget, users can safeguard their valuable data.

These plugins present an array of benefits to users, including:

  • Better privacy: By leveraging these plugins, users do not have to provide any personal details when logging into their Jira or Confluence. Users can pick their second factor for secure login and alter it whenever needed.
  • Higher security level: U2F gadgets can be chosen for specific groups of Jira/Confluence users to secure sensitive and private info. In turn, this safeguards the data from malicious individuals.
  • Usability: These plugins can be installed swiftly in only two steps. An intuitive interface can then control them. Furthermore, the back-up functionality is easy to use.
  • They allow you to keep tabs on your U2F activity.

All told, U2F devices are reliable security options that can now be applied to your project management software. Consider having more than one U2F device linked to your account to ensure that you are not locked out when you lose one of your keys.