How to Make a USB Security Key for your Windows and Mac Computer

The necessity for digital security arose with the advent of digital technologies. We’ve progressed from phones with no ability to create a passcode to having at least three options to safeguard your smartphone’s home screen. We are sitting ducks waiting to be picked up in this online world when everything is moving online and our gadgets are linked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This article will describe how to make a USB security key for your Windows and Mac computer.

Though we’ve progressed from using the same password for several websites to using unusual symbols to generate alphanumeric passwords that are distinct to each website and then enabling software-based 2-step verification in addition to the passwords.

The situation is far from dire, and the overwhelming majority of our internet information is secure. That isn’t to say we aren’t susceptible. In the struggle to secure the most intricate of threats, cybersecurity is only as powerful as its biggest threat. We frequently overlook the most fundamental of issues.

You have a variety of choices for securing a Windows 10 PC. We’ll teach you how to use USB Raptor because it’s available free of cost, but there are a few commercial programs that accomplish the same thing if you’d rather have access to extended user assistance in the event something bad happens. Some premium software, such as Rohos Logon Key, may be used on both Windows and Mac computers.

Password Security isn’t Enough

USB security credentials have come to raise the bar on security in an unconventional way. These physical security keys put an end to a slew of problems.

If there is no password to insert, they can end up making a trojan horse peek like an idiot; assaults can take a very long vacation because even if they breach the passcodes, the intruder would have to have a physical key to sign in. And finally, you don’t have to memorize or make notes of those intricate passcodes with a password manager. Isn’t that something?

But don’t get too enthusiastic yet though; there are some drawbacks. To begin with, not all websites enable the use of a physical U2F credential for identification. Second, if your actual key is lost or broken, you may still miss access to systems and services.

Nonetheless, let us not stray from the path. Permit us to demonstrate how to create your own USB security key for maximum security.

For Windows Computer – Create a Security Key

To set up your USB security key, you’ll require to install a program. There are several alternatives for doing so. For this tutorial, though, we’ll be utilizing a USB Raptor.

Execute the ‘USB Raptor.exe’ file from the supplied folder when it has finished downloading.

You may also look through the ‘Help Files’ section to learn more about the USB Raptor.

To begin, tick the ‘I have read the above box on the USB Raptor disclaimer window’s bottom right corner. Select ‘I Agree’ from the drop-down menu.

There is no need to install a USB Raptor because it is plug-and-play. It’s all set to make a key. To begin, type in the password of your choosing.

Insert a USB drive immediately, and the USB Raptor will recognize it immediately. Then select ‘Create k3y file’ from the drop-down menu.

After that, choose the option next to the ‘Enable USB Raptor’ button. Your key has now been activated. Furthermore, USB Raptor should be enabled immediately at every startup. Continue on to the next stage.

Now, in the top right of the window, select the ‘Advanced Configuration’ tick box.

Then, select the’ Start in system tray option alongside the ‘Run USB Raptor at Windows Startup’ tick. Select the ‘USB Raptor always begins armed’ setting to ensure that your machine is often secured. You’ll need your USB key to login every moment you start your computer now.

You may indeed encrypt the GUI to adequately protect workers from altering the computer. Tick the ‘Password protect USB Raptor’s interface’ ability to unlock it.

The USB Raptor’s enhancing productivity feature offers a plethora of choices for customizing safety to the user’s preferences. In fact, covering them would need a separate handbook.

The ability to modify the master code is one of the most distinctive capabilities available to paying USB Raptor customers. This simply implies that if you wish to beef up your protection, you’ll be able to modify the encryption format that only you know about.

For Mac Computer – Create a Security Key

There are no free USB security key packages offered for macOS, like Windows. However, most of them include a free trial if you wish to familiarise yourself with the program before purchasing it. We’ll be utilizing the Rohos Logon Key program for this tutorial.

Navigate to the folder in the ‘Finder’ after downloading and selecting the right package for your macOS version.

Rohos Logon key installation is rather simple. Launch the ‘Rohos Logon Key’ from the launch platform once it has been loaded.

Then, from the screen, select the ‘USB drive’ alternative.

Now, you should insert your passcode and choose a USB drive from the drop-down menu to implement as a secure link. Then select ‘OK’ from the drop-down menu.

Pick the step you want your Mac to take when the security key is disconnected.

You may also restrict logging in to only USB devices. To do so, go to the Windows taskbar and select the ‘Preferences’ button.

Another feature unique to Rohos Logon Key is the ability to open a device with numerous security keys. Pick the ‘USB Drive’ item from the ‘Add key device…’ selection to add multiple security keys.

Now select a different USB security key and follow the steps above to install another security token to your machine.

Now you can be certain that no one would be able to get an unapproved entry to your machine since you have an actual key to open it!

Conclusion

Finally, now you can create USB security keys for both Windows and Mac computers by using the above methods.