Nitrokey Start
The secure key for your digital life. Encrypts your emails, files and server access. Protects against hackers and espionage – private and professional. The cryptographic key is securely stored in the Nitrokey and is thereby protected against loss, theft and malware. With strong hardware encryption, made reliable thanks to open source, quality made in Germany. Use Cases For Anybody – Protection Against Mass Surveillance and Hackers Encrypt Emails Encrypt your emails with GnuPG, OpenPGP, S/MIME, Thunderbird or Outlook. Your private keys are securely stored in the Nitrokey and cannot be exported or stolen. For Businesses, Chancelleries and the Self-Employed – Protect Sensitive Data Protect Your Data Against Espionage Encrypt field workers’ entire hard drives or individual files. The private keys are thereby securely stored in the Nitrokey. Desktop Login Log in easily at your local computer desktop with the Nitrokey. For IT Administrators and Security Experts – Protect Critical Infrastructure Securely Administrating Servers With SSH Securely store your SSH keys in the Nitrokey at all times. Your key is PIN-protected and cannot be exported or stolen from the Nitrokey. This means that yo
- The secure key for your digital life
- Encrypts your emails, files and server access
- Protects against hackers and espionage – private and professional
- With strong hardware encryption, made reliable thanks to open source, quality made in Germany
- Your private keys are securely stored in the Nitrokey and cannot be exported or stolen
- Brand
- Nitrokey
- Model
- Nitrokey Start
- Type
- Hardware security token
- Standards
- FIDO2 / WebAuthn / OpenPGP / PIV
- Interface
- USB / NFC
- Warranty
- 24 months
Frequently asked
- Does Nitrokey Start support FIDO2 / WebAuthn?
- Yes. Nitrokey Start implements FIDO2 / WebAuthn and works as a passkey for any service that accepts a security key.
- Does it support OpenPGP and PIV?
- Nitrokey keys in this listing implement OpenPGP for code-signing and email, and PIV for smart-card login. Confirm the exact applet set on the spec sheet above.
- USB-A, USB-C, NFC or Lightning?
- Connector type is listed in the specifications. Choose the form factor that matches your laptop and phone.
- Can I use Nitrokey Start with iPhone?
- Yes — over NFC or via the Lightning / USB-C model. Apple supports security keys for Apple ID and for any WebAuthn site in Safari.
- Does Nitrokey Start work with Google, Microsoft, GitHub, AWS?
- Yes. All major identity providers accept FIDO2 hardware keys including Nitrokey.
- What happens if I lose the key?
- Best practice is to enroll two keys on every account. We sell two-packs for exactly this reason.
- Is the firmware open source?
- Some Nitrokey keys ship open-source firmware; others closed. Spec sheet above lists firmware status per model.
- Can Nitrokey Start sign git commits?
- Yes via OpenPGP — pair with gpg-agent or with sigstore for keyless variants.
- How is Nitrokey Start shipped?
- Discreetly via tracked international courier. Packaging carries no Exotec or product branding.
- Do you ship to my country?
- We ship worldwide except to OFAC-sanctioned jurisdictions. See our Restricted Countries policy for the current list.
