Swedish tech firm Yubico hands Hong Kong protesters free security keys amid fears over police tactics online
- Cybersecurity specialists contacted by activist over ‘grave concerns’ about computer hacking
- Company says it is on a mission to protect vulnerable internet users, and works with free speech supporters
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.