This manual was last checked for validity on February 05, 2024.
This guide outlines the process of setting up YubiKey 5 in conjunction with KeepassXC. Users who prioritize securing and managing their passwords through a password manager might have the need to enhance access security as much as possible. In this context, the deployment of both solutions, YubiKey 5 and KeepassXC, becomes relevant.
- Ideally, two YubiKeys 5. In essence, only one YubiKey is required. However, if you wish to have a backup YubiKey, you will naturally need two YubiKeys. Information about the available YubiKeys from the manufacturer can be found on this website: https://www.yubico.com/quiz/
- The KeePassXC software.
- The YubiKey Manager software.
- Identification of a Key (Steps 1-3)
- Set Up Slot 1 for the Challenge-Response Procedure (Steps 4-5)
- Set Up KeePassXC and Link It to the YubiKey (Step 6-12)
Source: https://brandfolder.yubico.com/yubico/press-room-images-logos (© Yubico)
- Getting started is simple: You need to download and install the YubiKey Manager from the manufacturer's website: https://www.yubico.com/support/download/
Figure 1 - Official website of Yubico, the manufacturer of YubiKeys in Sweden.
- After successful installation, the first YubiKey must be inserted into the computer and the YubiKey Manager started:
Figure 2 - A YubiKey 5 Nano recognized in the YubiKey Manager. The serial number has been removed in this documentation.
- The key should be recognized automatically by the YubiKey Manager - otherwise a keyboard wizard will appear (see below):
Figure 3 - MacOS: Once the YubiKey has been inserted into the computer, the keyboard wizard can be closed.
- Proceed step by step in the YubiKey Manager as follows:
Figure 4 - Click 1x on Applications and then on OTP.
Figure 5 - Select slot 2 by clicking on Configure in the slot 2 area.
Figure 6 - Select Challenge-Response and click on Next.
- Generate secret key (Generate) and click on Require touch (checkbox). With the latter, the response to a request is only sent back from the YubiKey to the respective security application when the YubiKey is touched - this additionally increases security with minimal additional effort.
Figure 7 - To use a second key (spare key or backup), the secret key must be explicitly memorized! In addition, the secret key should also be permanently stored somewhere as a hard copy (e.g. on paper) so that you are not completely locked out if you lose your YubiKeys or have the option of creating new YubiKeys for access.
- First, the existing database, if any, needs to be backed up - a backup is required. Otherwise, there is a risk of potentially locking oneself out.
- If you do not have KeePassXC installed yet, it needs to be downloaded from the manufacturer's website: https://keepassxc.org/
Figure 8 - KeePassXC Manufacturer (Download only from there!)
- Launch KeePassXC.
- Select Database / Database Security... / Security.
- Under Challenge-Response, click the "Add Challenge-Response" button.
- KeePassXC should now recognize the inserted YubiKey and automatically select it in the dropdown field. Typically, the slot configured for the Challenge-Response procedure should be selected. In our example, this would be Slot 2.
- Now, simply touching the YubiKey should link it to the database.
That's it. Enjoy and stay secure!
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