Yubico Forum

...visit our web-store at store.yubico.com
It is currently Tue Jan 30, 2018 10:49 am

All times are UTC + 1 hour




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Non-use Storage Lifetime
PostPosted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 4:18 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2016 4:06 pm
Posts: 2
The JEDEC JESD 218A endurance specification for flash memory states that if flash power off storage temperature is at 25 degrees C then data retention is 101 weeks (2 years). This is one of the reasons why unpowered flash memory isn't usually a good long-term data storage medium.

I assume that Yubikeys are using flash internally to store the key's state.

So my question is, if I make a backup Yubikey and store it in a safe place just in case I'll need it someday, if that "some day" is several years down the road, will it still work?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  

Share On:

Share on Facebook FacebookShare on Twitter TwitterShare on Tumblr TumblrShare on Google+ Google+

PostPosted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 2:50 pm 
Offline
Site Admin
Site Admin

Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2014 2:52 pm
Posts: 314
Ink on a piece of paper has be known to last for millenia, that could be an alternative ;)

You can note down or print the CSV file.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Mon Jan 18, 2016 7:37 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2016 4:06 pm
Posts: 2
I understand that I can store the configuration on other media.

Flash unpowered data retention time is a function of the flash temperature when the data was written and the unpowered storage temperature. It's also a function of whether the device is designed for Enterprise use or not. The JEDEC JESD 218A endurance specification for flash memory has a tables on page 24. A lot of these things can make the data retention times vary by more than a factor of two.

I am concerned about needing a backup key quickly in an emergency at a remote location and finding the backup key is dead. In a non-emergency, configuring a new key at HQ to mimic an old one in the field isn't a problem, just an inconvenience. This isn't a criticism of Yubikey, as any security key will have similar issues because they all are going to use flash if they are reconfigurable. I'm just trying to work out procedures to put in place now in order to not get caught out down the road.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2016 12:26 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun Mar 08, 2015 5:05 pm
Posts: 8
This question really got me to thinking as I DO assume that my "backup" Yubikey -- locked away and generally unused in a safe -- WILL function if ever needed.

If this is a potential "problem" ... would periodically using the "backup" key serve keep it sufficiently charged/refreshed?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2016 7:45 am 
Offline

Joined: Sat Feb 22, 2014 8:46 am
Posts: 1
I too would like a definitive answer to this post as well.
I have a backup Yubikey stored away in case it is ever needed.

How long before it may loose data.

Cheers!


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2016 12:18 am 
Offline
Site Admin
Site Admin

Joined: Wed May 28, 2008 7:04 pm
Posts: 263
Location: Yubico base camp in Sweden - Now in Palo Alto
The stated NVM retention is 25 years at +25 degrees C, so I believe this should not be a reason to consider a backup key :)


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC + 1 hour


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group