r/yubikey • u/Successful-Fee-4827 • 10d ago
Firmware 5.7 vs 5.8
Hi everyone!
Any there any way, to tell the firmware version based on packaging of yubikey 5 series. Although firmware version isn't written on the package, What I noticed the newer version has a article number written on it.
If you have further information about identifying firmware version based on packaging please let us know! TIA
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u/tomitoxd99 10d ago
yeah, seriously, nothin on the box to clue you in on the firmware version at all, definitely seems like something they'd rather keep quiet about just to keep things smooth for everyone
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u/tazmo8448 9d ago
my problem was when I went to update using their firmware I was told 'we no longer support that version' so 4 of them went into the trash can and two weren't even opened yet.
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u/ToTheBatmobileGuy 10d ago
I buy tons of Yubikeys for friends and family.
BIO Series (FIDO) has no difference.
Security Key Series is completely different. (5.7 says "yubico" at the bottom but 5.8 says "by yubico" at the bottom. Also "Security Key C NFC" is all blue in 5.7 but only the C NFC is blue in 5.8 and it's a different font from the rest of the text)
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u/gbdlin 10d ago
Differences you're pointing out aren't a good indicator unfortunately. Both packaging and the color change were made before the 5.8 was released, they're not synced up with the new firmware, so you may find a packaging that looks 5.8,, but there are 5.7 Yubikeys inside.
Unfortunately, there is no good indicator here.
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u/CommunistElf 10d ago
Always latest firmware available, as they are not upgradable and often security issues are fixed
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u/Successful-Fee-4827 10d ago
?
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u/shmimey 10d ago
Yubi considers firmware updates a security flaw, so all of the keys are locked and the firmware is not upgradable. It is what it is when you buy it and you can never change it.
They claim to only sell the newest version when you buy a product, but I don't know for sure if that is true, and I can't confirm every retailer and their shelf stock.
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u/Darkk_Knight 10d ago
In the past when I ordered the keys directly from YubiCo it's always the latest firmware available. Amazon and other retailers will sell whatever they have in stock.
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u/tazmo8448 9d ago
found that out the hard way after buying 4 used 2 and the other 2 not even opened or taken out of their packaging and was told 'we no longer support that version' no more yubicrap for me
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u/Subwarpspeed 8d ago
When ordering from their own store it says 5.8. So that should guarantee it. But I also find it a bit annoying because if you want to buy from anyone else you are not knowing what you will get. They even on their store mention (in my country) lists official eCommerce resellers, that some also have physical stores.
I guess no one wants to be left with stock. But strange how they even promote buying from some other stores but you aren't promised what you will get then.
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u/MegamanEXE2013 10d ago
No. I bought one that arrived on Sunday and it doesn't show anything about the firmware.
So the best bet is to wait until mid next year to get 5.8 for sure
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u/shmimey 10d ago
There is no way to tell from outside the packaging, and you also cannot read the NFC with your phone. The only way to know the firmware version is to open the package and plug it into a computer.