Security Keys & Smartcards

KSI solutions support a wide range of authentication credentials, including FIDO security keys, smartcards, PIV credentials, and contactless authentication technologies.

Modern Credential Authentication for Today's Security Environments

KSI solutions support a wide range of authentication credentials, including FIDO security keys, smartcards, PIV credentials, and contactless authentication technologies. Through integrated security key ports and credential readers, KSI helps organizations support modern authentication strategies while reducing password dependence.

Why Organizations Are Moving Beyond Passwords

Passwords remain vulnerable to phishing, credential theft, and reuse attacks. Organizations increasingly deploy security keys, smartcards, and modern credentials to strengthen authentication while improving user experience.

Stronger identity assurance

Support for MFA initiatives

Passwordless authentication readiness

Reduced phishing risk

Modern credential management

Improved security posture

Integrated Security Key Ports

The KSI Difference

The KSI-2100 Series incorporates dedicated USB-A and USB-C security key ports directly into the keyboard workspace, creating a convenient and organized authentication environment.

Dedicated security key connectivity
Reduced desktop clutter
Convenient key placement
Shared workstation optimization
Supports passwordless initiatives
Compatible with leading security key vendors

Compatible Security Key Providers

Supporting Leading Authentication Ecosystems

KSI products are not limited to these providers and support a broad range of compatible security keys and authentication devices. Find more compatible security keys.

FIPS 140-3 Security Keys

Organizations operating in regulated and security-conscious environments often seek authentication devices validated to FIPS 140-3 requirements.

KSI solutions support deployment scenarios utilizing security keys that meet FIPS 140-3 requirements, such as:

Benefits:

Industry-leading FIDO and FIPS security key portfolio

Enterprise-grade credential and security key solutions

FIPS 140-3 validated security key options for regulated environments

Smartcards & Credential Authentication

Beyond Security Keys

Many organizations rely on smartcards and credential-based authentication technologies, including:

KSI solutions support these workflows through integrated credential reader technologies and compatible authentication environments.

Biometric Smartcards: Combining Credentials and Biometrics

KSI solutions support authentication environments utilizing biometric smartcards and advanced credential technologies that combine Something You Have (the card) and Something You Are (the fingerprint) in a single credential.

FIDO-Ready Authentication

Supporting Passwordless Authentication Strategies

KSI is a member of the FIDO Alliance and supports organizations pursuing passwordless authentication initiatives through security key deployment and modern credential workflows.

Passwordless readiness

Security key support

Phishing-resistant authentication

MFA support

Identity assurance

Resources & Setup Guides

Security Key Setup Guides

Additional Resources

KSI Full-Circle Session Security Ecosystem

Session Security Ecosystem

Security keys and smartcards play an important role in modern authentication strategies as part of a broader session security approach. Explore the full KSI technology ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a security key?

A security key is a physical authentication device used to verify user identity during login. Security keys are commonly used as part of multifactor authentication (MFA) or passwordless authentication workflows and can help reduce the risk of phishing and credential theft.

What is a smartcard?

A smartcard is a credential containing embedded technology used for authentication, identification, and access control. Smartcards are commonly used in government, healthcare, financial services, and enterprise environments to support secure access to systems and applications.

What is the difference between a security key and a smartcard?

While both are authentication credentials, they are typically used differently.

Security keys are commonly associated with FIDO, passwordless authentication, and phishing-resistant login workflows.

Smartcards are often associated with PIV, CAC, PKI, and enterprise credential environments where certificates and identity credentials are stored on the card.

Both technologies can support strong authentication and multifactor authentication initiatives.

Which KSI products support security keys?

The KSI-2100 Series features dedicated USB-A and USB-C security key ports designed to support organizations deploying security keys and passwordless authentication strategies. These integrated ports provide convenient access to authentication devices while reducing desktop clutter.

Which security key vendors are supported?

KSI solutions support authentication environments utilizing security keys from a wide range of vendors. Featured providers include Yubico, HID, FEITIAN, IDEMIA, Hirsch, and Swissbit. Compatibility can extend beyond these vendors depending on the authentication environment and deployment requirements.

Are KSI solutions compatible with FIPS 140-3 security keys?

Yes. KSI products can support environments utilizing FIPS 140-3 validated security keys. Featured examples include select offerings from Swissbit, IDEMIA, and Yubico. Organizations should verify specific certification requirements and device configurations when planning deployments.

What does FIDO-Ready mean?

FIDO-Ready refers to support for modern authentication workflows utilizing FIDO standards, including security keys and passkeys. FIDO authentication helps organizations strengthen security, reduce reliance on passwords, and support passwordless authentication initiatives.

Is KSI a member of the FIDO Alliance?

Yes. KSI is a member of the FIDO Alliance and supports industry efforts to advance secure, passwordless authentication through standards-based technologies and authentication workflows.

What is a passkey?

A passkey is a modern authentication credential designed to replace traditional passwords. Passkeys provide a more secure and user-friendly authentication experience and are increasingly being adopted across enterprise, consumer, and government environments.

Can security keys be used as part of MFA?

Yes. Security keys are commonly used as a factor in multifactor authentication (MFA) workflows. Depending on the deployment, a security key may be combined with another factor such as a PIN, biometric verification, or another credential.

What is a biometric smartcard?

A biometric smartcard combines a traditional smartcard credential with onboard biometric verification. These credentials can support authentication workflows that combine:

Something You Have (the card)
Something You Are (the fingerprint)

This approach may help organizations achieve strong identity assurance and multifactor authentication objectives.

Can security keys and smartcards be used alongside RFID, biometrics, and mobile authentication?

Yes. Security keys and smartcards are often deployed alongside other authentication technologies, including RFID/NFC credentials, fingerprint biometrics, mobile authentication, and human presence detection. Organizations frequently combine multiple authentication methods to support security, compliance, and user experience objectives.

Why do organizations deploy security keys and smartcards?

Organizations increasingly deploy security keys and smartcards to:

Reduce password reliance
Strengthen identity assurance
Support MFA initiatives
Enable passwordless authentication
Improve phishing resistance
Support regulatory and security requirements

These technologies help organizations modernize authentication while maintaining strong security controls.