Apple now allows you to safeguard your Apple ID and iCloud account with hardware security keys, and a physical login mechanism that provides maximum security against hackers, identity thieves, and snoops.
Hardware security keys are small physical devices that communicate with USB or Lightning ports or NFC wireless data links during device or account login. You must hold keys in order to use them, therefore they are excellent in preventing hackers from remotely accessing your account.
New iOS Authentication
And because they do not function on false login pages, they can foil phishing assaults that attempt to trick you into entering your password on a bogus website.
Support for the keys was added to iOS 16.3 and MacOS 13.2 on Monday, and Apple provided instructions for using security keys with iPhones, iPads, and Macs on Tuesday. The organization demands that you generate at least two keys.
The move follows hardware security key support from Google, Microsoft, Twitter, and the parent company of Facebook, Meta.
In recent months, as a result of iPhone breaches involving NSO Group’s Pegasus malware, Apple has been striving to strengthen security.
Advanced-Data Protection was introduced by Apple in December, providing a better encryption option for iCloud-stored and synchronized data. And in September, Apple added a Lockdown Mode to the iPhone that contains extra safeguards to prevent outside intrusions.
Despite the fact that hardware security keys and the Advanced Data Protection program improve account security, Apple cannot assist you in regaining access.
Apple said in a statement, This functionality is meant for individuals who suffer deliberate threats to their online accounts owing to their public prominences, such as celebrities, journalists, and government officials. This substantially strengthens our two-factor authentication, preventing even the most sophisticated attackers from accessing a user’s second factor in a phishing scheme.
Apple Tightens iCloud Account Login Security
The technology contributes to an industry-wide effort to strengthen authentication protocols. Thousands of data breaches have revealed the vulnerabilities of standard passwords, and hackers may now circumvent common two-factor authentication systems such as SMS-sent security codes.
Hardware security keys and another method known as passkeys provide security against even the most severe attacks, such as hackers getting access to the password manager files of LastPass clients.
Hardware security keys have existed for years, but the Fast Identity Online, or FIDO, group has helped to standardize and integrate their use with websites and applications.
They are tied to specific websites, such as Facebook or Twitter, so they prevent phishing attacks that attempt to trick you into logging in to false websites.
For those who want the highest level of security, they serve as the foundation for Google’s Advanced Protection Program.
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