"Swedish tech firm Yubico hands Hong Kong protesters free security keys amid fears over police tactics online", 10 Oct 2019

A Swedish tech company renowned for encryption has donated hundreds of security keys to Hong Kong’s protest movement after an activist sought help in repelling police online.

Sherry Chan Yuen-yung said in a Facebook post that Yubico had sent her 500 of its Yubikey devices after she wrote to the company requesting support in upgrading demonstrators’ cybersecurity.

Yubico, set up in 2007, is best known for its signature invention Yubikey, which can be used for two-factor authentication for computers, networks and online accounts.

The key plugs into the USB or lighting ports of computers and mobile phones.

In response to the Post's inquiry about Yubico’s donation, the company said: “Yubico has a long-standing mission to ensure that people at high risk are protected online.

“The company works with many non-profit organisations dedicated to an open internet and free speech.”

… Chan said: “Amid grave concern over the online security of protesters in the face of aggravating police abuse of power, we contacted Yubico in August, hoping that they would kindly sponsor Hong Kong protesters with their feature product.

“It was to our surprise [the company] swiftly responded and mailed us 500 Yubikeys in no time.”…

There have been growing concerns online about the digital safety and data privacy of protesters…

Eric Fan Kin-man, a councillor of the trade association Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, believed as a piece of hardware, Yubikey offered a stronger form of protection than online versions…

However, he pointed out the key would not be helpful if police asked protesters to unlock phones protected by biometrics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition…

[Also referred to Telegram]