Changing the FIDO2 PIN on your YubiKey is a straightforward process performed using the YubiKey Manager application. This ensures your security key remains protected with a strong, personalized PIN.
Steps to Change Your YubiKey FIDO2 PIN
To update your FIDO2 PIN, you will use the official YubiKey Manager software. Follow these detailed steps:
- Download and Install YubiKey Manager: If you haven't already, download and install the latest version of the YubiKey Manager application from the official Yubico website.
- Launch YubiKey Manager: Open the YubiKey Manager application on your computer.
- Insert Your YubiKey: Carefully insert your YubiKey into an available USB port on your computer. The application should detect your YubiKey automatically.
- Navigate to FIDO2 Application Settings:
- On the left-hand navigation pane, click on Applications.
- From the submenu, select FIDO2.
- You will see options related to your FIDO2 settings.
- Initiate PIN Change: Click the Change PIN button.
- Enter PIN Details: A dialog box titled "Change FIDO2 PIN" will appear.
- Enter your Current PIN in the first field.
- Enter your New PIN in the second field.
- Confirm New PIN by re-entering it in the third field to ensure accuracy.
- Note: FIDO2 PINs typically require a minimum of 4 characters, and some services may enforce stronger requirements.
- Confirm Change: Click the Change PIN button within the dialog to submit your new PIN.
- Verify Success: YubiKey Manager will display a confirmation message, typically "Changed FIDO2 PIN," indicating that your PIN has been successfully updated.
Quick Reference: Changing FIDO2 PIN
For a quick overview, here's a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Launch Manager & Insert Key | Open YubiKey Manager and connect your YubiKey. |
| 2 | Navigate to FIDO2 Settings | Go to Applications > FIDO2. |
| 3 | Select Change PIN | Click the Change PIN button. |
| 4 | Enter PIN Information | Input your Current PIN, then your New PIN, and Confirm New PIN. |
| 5 | Confirm & Verify | Click Change PIN to apply. Look for the "Changed FIDO2 PIN" success message. |
Important Considerations for Your FIDO2 PIN
- PIN Strength: Always choose a strong, unique PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Avoid using simple sequences or personal information.
- Security Best Practice: Regularly changing your PIN can enhance the security posture of your YubiKey, especially if you suspect it might have been compromised or observed.
- Forgetting Your PIN: If you forget your FIDO2 PIN, you will need to reset the FIDO2 application on your YubiKey. Be aware that resetting the FIDO2 application will delete all FIDO2 credentials (e.g., registered logins for websites) stored on that application, requiring you to re-register your YubiKey with any services that use FIDO2.
