Security keys are a type of two-step verification process to secure your Google account and protect it from any unauthorized access. Some two-step verification methods supported/provided by Google are text message, Google Authenticator, and security keys. The text message and Google Authenticator methods require you to have your mobile phone. Google sends a OTP and Google Authenticator is a downloadable app that can generate OTP tokens on your mobile. Hackers are known to use a phishing attack to attempt to steal your password and OTP.
Security keys are not susceptible to phishing attacks. Security keys are small USB hardware dongles that generate a cryptographic signature when touched. This signature is used in lieu of an OTP. Being USB devices, a security key requires a computer with a USB device. Security keys are powered by the FIDO U2F open authentication standard...