Your Apple ID and iCloud data are now more secure than ever thanks to Apple’s support for hardware security keys, a physical login mechanism that prevents hackers, identity thieves, and snoops in their tracks.
Hardware security keys are physical devices that authenticate your identity during login. They can be connected to a computer or mobile device by a USB or Lightning port, or they can use near-field communication (NFC) to communicate wirelessly with a device.
Because you need physical access to the key in order to use it, it is a strong deterrent against distant hackers. And since they don’t work on phony login pages, phishing attacks that try to trick you into entering your password on a malicious website are foiled.
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On Tuesday, Apple released instructions for using security keys with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, after the release of iOS 16.3 and MacOS 13.2 on Monday, which added support for the keys. At least two key configurations are necessary per corporate policy.
This action comes after similar ones were taken by Google, Microsoft, Twitter, and Facebook’s parent company, Meta
After suffering losses due to iPhone security vulnerabilities including NSO Group’s Pegasus malware, Apple has been striving to increase protections in recent months. When Apple released its Advanced Data Protection feature in December, it provided a more secure way to encrypt information kept in iCloud storage and synchronization.
In a major security upgrade, Apple will offer end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups for the first time, support contact verification in Messages and allow physical security keys for logging in to Apple accounts. Story now on @TheTerminal.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 7, 2022
In addition, in September, Apple released a new iPhone mode called Lockdown Mode, which imposes further restrictions on the way your phone operates in order to prevent malicious use. While the Advanced Data Protection program and hardware security keys provide additional layers of protection for your Apple ID, they also preclude Apple’s support in the event you lose access to your account.
Apple claimed in a statement that the feature was made for people who often owing to their public prominence face concerted threats to their online accounts, such as celebrities, journalists, and government officials. To paraphrase, This enhances our two-factor authentication by making it impossible for even the most sophisticated of attackers to steal the second factor in a phishing scheme.
Companies Ramp Up Login Security
This technology is used as part of a larger movement to improve authentication processes across industries. Traditional passwords have been demonstrated to be insecure by the thousands of data breaches that have occurred, and hackers can now circumvent conventional two-factor authentication systems like security codes received through text messages.
When it comes to significant threats like hackers accessing LastPass users’ password manager data, hardware security keys and another method called passkeys offer peace of mind.
Although hardware security keys have been around for some time, the FIDO Alliance has worked to ensure that they work consistently across platforms. The fact that they can only be used on one website at a time is a major plus when it comes to preventing phishing attempts, as these assaults try to trick you into giving your login information to malicious websites like Facebook and Twitter.
Those looking for the highest level of protection can also rely on them as the basis of Google’s Advanced Protection Program. Using the correct hardware security keys is essential.
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A USB-C and NFC-enabled key is a solid choice for exchanging data with more recent versions of Macs and iPhones. Apple insists that you have two keys, but having extras on hand is a good idea in case you misplace either of them. Your Apple, Google, and Microsoft accounts, among others, can all share the same authentication key.
The leading manufacturer of hardware security keys, Yubico, on Tuesday unveiled two new YubiKey variants in its Security Key Series designed for end users. Both of these new versions are FIDO-certified. While both are NFC-enabled, the $29 version features a modern USB-C connector while the $25 version retains the older USB-A port.
Support for a separate FIDO authentication system called passkeys is currently being developed by Google, Microsoft, Apple, and other partners. Passkeys are an alternative to passwords that do away with the need for physical security keys.
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Frequently asked questions
What is new in Ipados 16.3?
iOS 16.3 on an iPad In this version, we have implemented the following changes and improvements: By requiring a physical security key as part of the two-factor authentication sign in process on new devices, Apple ID Security Keys allow users to increase the security of their account. Availability of HomePod Help (2nd generation)
What are security keys for Apple ID?
Apple claims that the use of a physical key improves the security of two-factor authentication by making it more difficult for an attacker to steal or stealously request secret codes. When you use a security key, no one but you will be able to access your account information.
When is IOS 16.3 release?
The official version of iOS 16.3 was released on January 23, 2023, as of this update. Apple has announced in a press release that iOS 16.3 will be available next week. They also mentioned that the new Unity wallpaper for the iPhone’s lock screen would be included in the next iOS 16.3 update.
