A Hardware Security Key is a physical device (often similar in size and appearance to a USB drive,) that you can use to securely verify your identity when accessing your Ledn account.
At Ledn, Hardware Security Keys and Passkeys are both considered Phishing-resistant Keys, providing stronger protection against phishing and unauthorized access.
Hardware Security Keys can include physical security devices such as YubiKey or Google Titan.
How Does a Hardware Security Key Work?
Unlike an SMS or Authenticator App code, a Hardware Security Key requires you to have access to a physical device when authentication is required.
Depending on the security key you're using, you may connect or interact with it through USB or USB-C or another method supported by your device and browser.
What's the Difference Between a Hardware Security Key and a Passkey?
Both are Phishing-resistant Keys, but they work differently.
• A Hardware Security Key is a separate physical device that you use to authenticate.
• A Passkey is a digital credential connected through a supported device or cloud credential service and may allow you to authenticate using biometrics, your device PIN, or a password manager.
To learn more, visit: What Is a Passkey and How Do I Set It Up?
How Do I Set Up a Hardware Security Key?
1. Log in to your Ledn account.
2. Navigate to Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication.
3. Under Phishing-resistant Keys, select the option to add a new key.
4. Enter your Ledn account password to complete the security verification.
5. When asked which type of key you would like to add, select Hardware Key.
6. Connect or activate your Hardware Security Key when prompted by your browser.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration.
Once completed, your Hardware Security Key will be registered to your Ledn account.
Can I Add More Than One Hardware Security Key?
Yes. You can register multiple Hardware Security Keys to your account.
We recommend registering 2–3 Hardware Security Keys and keeping backup keys in separate, secure locations. This can help you maintain access if one of your keys is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Which Browsers and Devices Support Hardware Security Keys?
Hardware Security Key authentication at Ledn uses the WebAuthn standard and is supported by most modern desktop browsers.
Supported desktop browsers:
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
For the best compatibility and security, we recommend using the latest available version of any of the supported browsers listed above.
Currently limited or not supported:
• Safari has limited WebAuthn support and Hardware Key authentication may not work reliably.
• Mobile browsers are currently not supported for Hardware Key authentication.
What Should I Do If My Hardware Key Isn't Recognized?
If your browser doesn't recognize your Hardware Security Key:
1. Make sure your browser is up to date.
2. Try a different USB or USB-C port or reconnect your key.
3. Try another supported browser.
4. If the issue persists, contact Ledn's Client Success Team for assistance.
What If I Lose My Hardware Security Key?
If you have another registered Hardware Security Key, you can continue accessing your account with your backup key and remove the lost key from your security settings.
If you've lost access to all of your registered keys, please contact Ledn's Client Success Team so we can guide you through the identity verification and account recovery process.
For more information, visit: Lost Access to Your Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Method? Here's How to Reset It