CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

1Kosmos vs Yubico

1Kosmos sells a platform that combines identity verification and passwordless authentication, organized around KYC, KYE, and KYA use cases. Yubico offers the YubiKey, a phishing-resistant, FIPS 140-3 validated key for multi-factor and passwordless authentication. CISO Tribune files both under Passwordless authentication and authenticators. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • 1Kosmos
  • Yubico
1Kosmos vs Yubico: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
1Kosmos1Kosmos sells a platform that combines identity verification and passwordless authentication, organized around KYC, KYE, and KYA use cases.1kosmos.comYubicoYubico offers the YubiKey, a phishing-resistant, FIPS 140-3 validated key for multi-factor and passwordless authentication.yubico.com
What it sells
  • Passwordless Authentication[3][5]Passwordless sign-in with LiveID, 1Key, and FIDO2.
  • 1Key[3][7]A biometric device for shared desktops.
  • 1Kosmos Workforce[6]Workforce identity verification and access across the KYE journey.
  • YubiKey 5 Series[5][7][8][13]The YubiKey 5 Series uses multi-protocol capabilities that can secure legacy and modern systems.
  • YubiKey Bio Series[5][7]YubiKey Bio Series supports biometric authentication using fingerprint recognition for passwordless logins.
  • Security Key Series[5][7][11][13]The Security Key Series by Yubico delivers FIDO-only security keys for both consumers and enterprises.
  • Yubico Authenticator[5][7][10][13]The Yubico Authenticator app lets users store credentials on a YubiKey and not on a mobile phone.
  • YubiKey as a Service[8][11]YubiKey as a Service is a subscription for organizations.
Categories
Headquarters
Iselin, New Jersey, USA[1]Stockholm, Sweden[2]
Founded
Not stated on its pages2007[2]
Ownership and funding
Privately held[5]Public (Nasdaq First North Growth Market Stockholm: YUBICO)[3][5][11]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
Not stated on its pages
  • May 26, 2026Yubico announced that its upgraded YubiKey 5 FIPS Series is now FIPS 140-3 validated under certificate 5291.[15]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
For agents on shared workstations, 1Kosmos ties logins to real-world identities. In higher education, 1Kosmos addresses students, faculty, staff, and alumni. In retail, 1Kosmos addresses store associates, fulfillment workers, and office staff using shared POS terminals and workstations. 1Kosmos Partner Advantage is aimed at firms that integrate, resell, manage, or outsource services.From its own pages, Yubico sells its Security Key Series to both consumers and enterprises. Within organizations, the Security Key Series is aimed at systems and applications that support FIDO, including mobile-restricted or shared workstation environments. Yubico addresses defense and civilian agencies, offering DOD approved multi-factor authentication for workers who are not PIV/CAC eligible, air-gapped or closed networks, privileged users and remote workers. Government elections and political campaigns are addressed for access to voter registration databases, election management and reporting systems and e-pollbooks. Computer login choices are offered to both organizations and individuals.
Last verified
November 2, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • 1Kosmos and Yubico are both filed under Passwordless authentication and authenticators.

Where they differ, field by field

  • 1Kosmos's primary category is Identity verification; Yubico's is Passwordless authentication and authenticators.
  • 1Kosmos is also filed under Customer identity and access management.
  • 1Kosmos lists Passwordless Authentication, 1Key and 1Kosmos Workforce. Yubico lists YubiKey 5 Series, YubiKey Bio Series, Security Key Series, Yubico Authenticator and YubiKey as a Service.
  • 1Kosmos is headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, USA. Yubico is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Yubico was founded in 2007.
  • 1Kosmos is privately held. Yubico is a public company listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Stockholm as YUBICO.

What it sells: 1Kosmos

What Passwordless Authentication does[3][5]
1Kosmos passwordless authentication offers LiveID, 1Key, and FIDO2 sign-in built on the same verified identity, with support for legacy MFA, PIV, and RADIUS. Phishing-resistant MFA options include LiveID biometrics, passkeys, FIDO2, and device biometrics. Passwordless Authentication can coexist with current authenticators while users transition at their own pace.
What 1Key does[3][7]
The 1Kosmos 1Key is a biometric device that stays with each shared desktop and lets every shift authenticate to Windows, VPN, and apps without personal tokens or passwords. 1Key includes biometric and touch security keys for individual users.
What 1Kosmos Workforce does[6]
1Kosmos Workforce turns on only what each stage of the KYE journey requires, and the Intelligence Layer monitors risk across all of them. 1Kosmos verifies new hires and contractors with IAL2-compliant identity proofing before any account is provisioned.

What it sells: Yubico

What YubiKey 5 Series does[5][7][8][13]
The YubiKey 5 Series uses multi-protocol capabilities that can secure legacy and modern systems. The YubiKey 5 Series supports authentication protocols including FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, Smart card (PIV) and OpenPGP. The YubiKey 5C NFC combines USB-C and NFC in one key to secure online accounts on mobile and desktops.
What YubiKey Bio Series does[5][7]
YubiKey Bio Series supports biometric authentication using fingerprint recognition for passwordless logins. YubiKey Bio Series stores fingerprint templates in the secure element on the key. YubiKey Bio Series is available in USB-A and USB-C form factors.
What Security Key Series does[5][7][11][13]
The Security Key Series supports only the FIDO2/WebAuthn and FIDO U2F authentication protocols. The Security Key Series works across desktop and mobile with touch or tap-and-go authentication over USB or NFC. Serial numbering on the back of the enterprise Security Key Series keys lets enterprises track distribution and usage.
What Yubico Authenticator does[5][7][10][13]
The Yubico Authenticator app lets users store credentials on a YubiKey and not on a mobile phone. The Yubico Authenticator app can generate codes for logging into services.
What YubiKey as a Service does[8][11]
YubiKey as a Service is a subscription for organizations. The enterprise-ready Security Key Series keys are available exclusively as part of YubiKey as a Service. Twitter turned to YubiEnterprise Delivery and YubiEnterprise Subscription services to distribute YubiKeys across its global workforce.

Questions about 1Kosmos and Yubico

What do 1Kosmos and Yubico sell?
1Kosmos sells Passwordless Authentication, 1Key and 1Kosmos Workforce. Yubico sells YubiKey 5 Series, YubiKey Bio Series, Security Key Series, Yubico Authenticator and YubiKey as a Service.
Are 1Kosmos and Yubico in the same category?
They share Passwordless authentication and authenticators. 1Kosmos's primary category is Identity verification and Yubico's is Passwordless authentication and authenticators.
Where are 1Kosmos and Yubico headquartered?
1Kosmos is headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, USA. Yubico is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
When were 1Kosmos and Yubico founded?
Yubico was founded in 2007.
Who owns 1Kosmos and Yubico?
1Kosmos is privately held. Yubico is a public company listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Stockholm as YUBICO.
Who are 1Kosmos and Yubico sold to?
For agents on shared workstations, 1Kosmos ties logins to real-world identities. From its own pages, Yubico sells its Security Key Series to both consumers and enterprises.
What have 1Kosmos and Yubico announced recently?
May 26, 2026: Yubico announced that its upgraded YubiKey 5 FIPS Series is now FIPS 140-3 validated under certificate 5291.

About 1Kosmos

1Kosmos sells a platform that combines identity verification and passwordless authentication, organized around KYC, KYE, and KYA use cases. On the 1Kosmos platform, a user proves their identity once and reuses it across onboarding, login, account recovery, and high-risk transaction step-up. 1Kosmos says that unverified people create fraud risk and that unauthenticated agents create liability. The 1Kosmos platform adds its control to existing identity infrastructure and gives employees, customers, citizens, and AI agents a reusable, passwordless identity across onboarding, access, recovery, and step-up verification.[2][3][4]

1Kosmos identity verification uses document and biometric proofing with liveness detection, certified to NIST 800-63-3 IAL2, with IAL3 step-up. 1Kosmos passwordless authentication offers LiveID, 1Key, and FIDO2 sign-in built on the same verified identity, with support for legacy MFA, PIV, and RADIUS. 1Kosmos offers phishing-resistant MFA options including LiveID biometrics, passkeys, FIDO2, and device biometrics. The 1Kosmos reusable identity wallet is cryptographically protected and user-controlled, stores no PII, and requires the user's consent for every use. 1Kosmos feeds verified identity into the systems its customers already run, with more than 150 pre-built connectors. 1Kosmos integrates with Okta, Microsoft, Ping, Zscaler, and more.[3]

1Kosmos Workforce turns on only what each stage of the KYE journey requires, and the Intelligence Layer monitors risk across all of them. For new hire screening, 1Kosmos verifies new hires and contractors with IAL2-compliant identity proofing before any account is provisioned. In the workforce flow, a government ID is matched to the same face, and US work eligibility is confirmed against that identity. 1Kosmos binds the verified identity to the HR record and directory account before access is granted. New hires sign in passwordless with LiveID or phrase + PIN, and no initial password is ever sent. 1Kosmos help desk verification replaces agent judgment with a government ID check and a live biometric match that returns pass/fail. 1Kosmos confirms a verified identity before agents or self-service portals reset passwords, MFA, or profiles. For frontline workers, 1Kosmos secures shared workstations without passwords, personal tokens, or smartphones.[6]

The 1Kosmos 1Key is a biometric device that stays with each shared desktop and lets every shift authenticate to Windows, VPN, and apps without personal tokens or passwords. 1Key includes biometric and touch security keys for individual users. 1Kosmos reverifies agents automatically when roles or risk change. 1Kosmos identity verification enables reverification at critical moments. 1Kosmos prompts additional verification when risk escalates during high-value returns, account changes, or contractor access, without restarting the full identity journey. 1Kosmos steps up security when risk increases during high-value transactions, account recovery, or access from new devices.[7][8][9]

1Kosmos is a Kantara certified credential service provider delivering NIST IAL2 identity proofing and AAL2 authentication for healthcare workflows. 1Kosmos proofs patients, prescribers, staff, and partners at IAL2 and provisions accounts with a reusable verified identity. 1Kosmos lets clinicians access EHRs, e-prescribing tools and clinical apps with a quick biometric sign-in that replaces passwords. In higher education, 1Kosmos verifies students, faculty, staff, and alumni remotely with document and biometric checks and binds each verified identity to campus accounts and trusted devices. 1Kosmos replaces passwords with biometric login anchored to a verified identity, working alongside existing SSO and MFA.[10][11]

For public sector agencies, 1Kosmos provides IAL2 identity proofing, remote caller verification, and a reusable wallet. 1Kosmos issues digital identity wallets to public sector users who do not have PIV/CACs but still need system access. 1Kosmos verifies residents with full IAL2 proofing made up of document verification, AAMVA lookup, identity database checks, and biometric face match. 1Kosmos digital identity wallets are stored in a private and permissioned distributed ledger. At account opening, 1Kosmos applies document verification, liveness detection, and real-time government checks against synthetic IDs and deepfakes. In retail, 1Kosmos lets store associates, fulfillment workers, and office staff access shared POS terminals and workstations using badges or biometrics instead of passwords. 1Kosmos automatically syncs employee access with HRIS and PACS. In manufacturing, 1Kosmos replaces shared passwords with biometric sign-in so every operator has their own verified identity.[8][9][12]

1Kosmos platform credentials include FedRAMP High, DoD IL4/IL5, NIST 800-63-3 AAL2/IAL2, iBeta PAD Level 2, FIDO2, and SOC 2 Type 2. 1Kosmos is backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and FedRAMP High. 1Kosmos states that it never sells, shares, or repurposes user data. 1Kosmos Partner Advantage fits firms that run a delivery practice, whether they integrate, resell, manage, or outsource services.[3][4][7][10][12][13]

1Kosmos on the record

Sources

1Kosmos full record

  1. [1]1kosmos secures 57m in series b funding1Kosmos · 1kosmos.com · published August 12, 2025 · Tier A
  2. [2]1kosmos.com1Kosmos · 1kosmos.com · undated page, accessed November 2, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Become a partner | 1Kosmos partners1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Identity Verification & Passwordless Solutions | 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Public Sector Solutions | CSP for Public Agencies1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Workforce Identity & Know Your Employee (KYE) | 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]BPO Identity Solutions | Passwordless Access by 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Retail Identity Solutions | 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Risk Management Solutions for Banks & Fintech | 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Healthcare Identity Verification | 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Identity Verification Solutions for Higher Education | 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Digital Identity for Manufacturing | 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Product Use Cases | 1Kosmos1Kosmos · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A

Yubico full record

  1. [1]yubico.comYubico · yubico.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Yubico has been approved for listing on nasdaq stockholmYubico · investors.yubico.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Yubico is now trading as yubico on nasdaq in stockholm 2023 09 20Nasdaq · nasdaq.com · published September 20, 2023 · Tier A
  4. [4]USB-A YubiKey 5 Nano Two Factor Security Key - Tray of 50 | YubicoYubico · undated page, accessed October 30, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Yubico | YubiKey Strong Two Factor AuthenticationYubico · undated page, accessed October 30, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Solutions to secure your organization | YubicoYubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]YubiKeys | Two-Factor Authentication for Secure LoginYubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]USB-C YubiKey 5C Two-Factor Security Key | YubicoYubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]USB-C YubiKey 5C NFC Two-Factor Security Key | YubicoYubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Ease of use | YubicoYubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Security Key Series | YubiKeys | YubicoYubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Yubico YubiKey 5C Nano FIPS 140-3 | NIST Validated Security Key | USB-CYubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Security Key C NFC by Yubico - Tray of 50Yubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]YubiHSM 2 v2.4 | Hardware Security Module | USB-AYubico · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Yubico Announces Upgraded YubiKey 5 FIPS Series, Now FIPS 140-3 Validated | YubicoYubico · published May 26, 2026 · Tier A

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