There's many ways you can add an extra layer of protection to a PC, but having a separate piece of hardware required to gain access is hard to beat. Yubico now offers all Windows users an easy way to do just that using its YubiKey security keys.

As ZDNet reports, Yubico has spent the last six months testing an app called Yubico Login for Windows (formerly called the Windows Logon Tool), but it's finally available to use in stable form. When installed on a Windows PC, it allows your Windows login to be protected by a hardware security key inserted into a USB port.

The so-called multi-factor authentication method can be setup for use with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 computers, allowing for local account security. Yubico says it's very simple to configure, and for anyone concerned about losing their hardware key, it's easy to create backups and to perform a recovery.

The app is available to download for free for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows installations, but you'll have to purchase a YubiKey for it to function. There's a number of YubiKey devices available to buy, but as the app uses the challenge-response authentication protocol you'll need a YubiKey 5 Series, which can be purchased for as little as $45. It may be possible to get a discount for buying more than one key, and if you select one with NFC it can be used with your Android or iOS device, too.

If you're interested in using a hardware key to keep yourself more secure, but don't know which YubiKey to pick, try taking the Yubico quiz to get a recommendation.