Pros & Cons
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- Excellent build quality
- NFC capability
- USB-A or USB-C compatibility
- Stores passkeys
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- Expensive
- Limited authentication protocols
Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key Specs
| Authentication Specifications | FIDO2 |
| Authentication Specifications | Smart Card |
| Connector | USB-A |
| Connector | USB-C |
| Wireless Specification | NFC |
Sure, you can store all of your passkeys within a password manager. But maybe it's time to consider using hardware security keys like the Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key ($54.99, as tested) to store your most important credentials and authenticate your identity for all of your accounts. While it's not the least expensive key we've tested, the Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key offers phishing-resistant protection and works with every device you own. That said, Yubico's $29 Security Key C NFC remains our Editors' Choice winner in the category because it provides similar capabilities at a much lower price.
An Introduction to Kensington's VeriMark NFC+ Security Keys
Kensington's VeriMark NFC+ line is available with an unshielded USB-A connector, which retails for $49.99, and a USB-C connector, which costs $54.99. This review focuses on the USB-C model.
(Credit: Kim Key/PCMag)The USB-A and USB-C model designs are fairly different, as the USB-A is wider and flatter than the USB-C key. Both have gold sensors in the center of the key, and are rated IP68, so they're dustproof and can survive brief water immersion.
Features: No Additional Apps Required, Platform Diversity, Passkey Storage
Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key supports FIDO CTAP 2.1 and FIDO CTAP2 authentication standards. It also requires a tap via USB-C or NFC, making it incredibly difficult for anyone to get into your accounts without physical access to the key. The keys also support passkey storage, Apple ID logins, U2F, and smart card authentication (PIV).
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You won't need to install any drivers or software to use the key, either. The VeriMark keys will work with just about every device or platform you use, from ChromeOS to Windows. If you want to log in to your computers without your hardware security key, you can download the VeriMark Companion app to sign in with your phone.
It's a key that's best for general use at home or work, rather than high-security environments that require accessing a lot of different security protocols. A close competitor is the aforementioned Yubico Security Key C NFC.
Hands On With Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key
To use the Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key, just plug it in when instructed by a website, tap the gold part of the key to prove you're a human, and that's it.
(Credit: Kim Key/PCMag)I attached the key to a Proton Mail account by plugging it into my desktop computer's USB-C port and tapping it when prompted on screen. When I logged in to the account again, it just asked for a key tap to verify my identity. I was also able to store and use passkeys with the security key using a Samsung phone. The key's NFC capability worked too: I used a passkey to log in to my account and tapped the key against my iPhone to log in without a password. The security key worked easily, again, without needing to download any additional apps or other software.
Final Thoughts
(Credit: Kim Key)
Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key
The Kensington VeriMark NFC+ USB-C Security Key is expensive, but if you're looking for a security key that requires zero setup or additional downloads, it may be right for you.