> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://yubico.gitbook.io/yubikey5/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://yubico.gitbook.io/yubikey5/piv-1/introduction.md).

# Introduction

{% hint style="info" %}
The guides in this book require one device of any in the following categories:

* [x] [YubiKey 5 Series](https://www.yubico.com/store/#yubikey-5-series)
* [x] [YubiKey 5 FIPs Series](https://www.yubico.com/store/#yubikey-5-fips-series)
  {% endhint %}

PIV is a technology / interface on your Yubikey, which stands for Personal Identity Verification.

This interface allows you to create certificates which are stored on your Yubikey in the PIV interface and interact with non-web interfaces / applications.

Importing certificates in your PIV allow you to do some cool things such as:

* Unlock a <mark style="color:red;">**Bitlocker**</mark> or <mark style="color:red;">**Veracrypt**</mark> encrypted drive.
* Sign into a server you own with <mark style="color:red;">**`SSH`**</mark> (even passwordless if you want).
* Sign documents with programs like <mark style="color:red;">**`Adobe Acrobat`**</mark>.
* Sign code with programs such as Microsoft's <mark style="color:red;">**`Signtool`**</mark> or Windows Powershell's <mark style="color:red;">**`Set-AuthenticodeSignature`**</mark> command.
* Sign Windows .cat catalog files

Using a module is optional. If none of the above examples interest you, then you can leave PIV alone on your Yubikey.