Thales SafeNet eToken Fusion, FIDO2 Certified Security Key, USB-C, for Digital certificates or FIDO2 authentication to Web apps and desktops

I tried this key on my Macbook Pro and my IPhone 15 Pro Max, and it worked well both times! It needs to be registered as a security key on each device, but after that it is very simple to use. It is a bit of a hassle to use this to login every time, but if security is a top priority then this is a very secure solution. Overall a nice device with an easy setup process.

This THALES SafeNet USB-C works after testing on the Thales Demo Page and when logging on to Windows 10 and Windows 11 Pro PCs at home. Please note that you must install the SafeNet Authentication Client Software on the OS platform you're using—Windows, Mac, or Linux. It adds a layer of security by utilizing PIN #s instead of passwords and a "presence" touch on the device itself. Although using a PIN to log on is also a built-in feature of Windows, the added layer of security is a big plus if multiple people are using the same computer—particularly the "presence" touch on the unit. No one can log on remotely. The device is ideal for office/corporate users where employees log on to different/multiple PCs. The device is a home-use luxury—only die-hard, home-based techies will indulge. However, if you travel a lot, the added layer of security will give you more peace of mind. In theory, since authentication happens on the THALES device, this would be ideal for people who travel abroad but don't have the luxury of roaming globally on their mobile phones. It would also be great for accessing websites that support this security device without using 2-factor authentication. However, this area will put off most casual users, as it's quite complex to configure for supported websites. All told, the device suffers from poor documentation for the casual PC user. The unit's QR code/web page ultimately leads to a web portal that's confusing to navigate, too technical, and too enterprise-computing-oriented. Others will find it complex, boring, or a waste of time and disregard using this security device. If Thales wants to increase sales to casual PC users, it should include a simple instruction manual on using this security device on their PCs and mobile devices. Also, including a USB-C to USB-A adapter would be convenient for some users who own older PCs without a USB-C port.

I am slightly embarrased to admit this, but I haven't figured out how to use this thing yet. I am saying all of this because I believe for any consumer security devices to be effective they must be easy to use and impliment. So for that reason I am not sold on this, I've followed the directions at the QR code link but most of them are very vague so I am waiting until the end of the school year and maybe then I can figure it out. It is well made physically though and very low profile.

This review is for the Thales SafeNet eToken Fusion hardware "pass" key. Yes "pass" is in quotes because a better term would be a hardware FAIL key. Why "fail"? Because after downloading the setup app and picking a PIN for this thing, I tried setting it up with multiple websites that this company listed as being compatible with this device. In every case upon following the setup instructions and inserting the USB key and typing my PIN nothing would happen. More specifically, it just went into a loop where it would ask my what kind of pass key to set up after doing all the steps to set it up. So the only place where this device belongs where it will be good and SECURE is in the trash. Highly DO NOT recommend.

I have always been wanting to have a physical authenticator especially when traveling. Of course Google and Microsoft have been using the authenticator apps and passkeys but a physical key authenticator is also a good way to ensure security. Setting this up was easy. It has a USB C socket which can be used in your android device with the the FIDO management app. any of your two factor authentication logins can now be used with the FIDO key. No one can login unitl you insert the key. If you are worried about losing it, you may have setup other alternative forms of authenication that you can use.