Apple has now introduced two-factor authentication for iMessage and FaceTime in order to increase security and make them harder to hack.
The two-step verification system has become more widely used for several services in recent times, as it makes one's account more secure. This extra layer of security is available on Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, Tumblr, and a number of other services. Apple first adopted this two-factor authentication process back in 2013, aiming to avoid unauthorized changes to account details. At the time, Apple users needed a verification code if they wanted to make certain changes to their account, sign into iCloud, or make purchases on iTunes or the App Store from a new device.
Back in September 2014, after the whole celebrity nude photos debacle when a number of public features had their iCloud accounts hacked and saw their nude photos leaked online, Apple increased the security of iCloud and started sending security emails to users whenever their iCloud is accessed, a device is restored, or a password change is requested. The company implemented this extra layer of security for iCloud and iTunes for additional login protection.
Up until now, however, FaceTime and iMessage were not included in this two-factor authentication process, as they would only require an Apple ID email address and a password.
As The Guardian points out, Apple has now started implementing two-step authentication for FaceTime and iMessage as well, gradually rolling out the feature. Users will now be prompted to choose the extra security layer to protect their accounts. With two-step authentication, users will now have to input an extra security password in addition to their Apple ID and password.
With FaceTime, for instance, users will have to log into their account on the web and get an app-specific password to access the service. Users who are already signed into their iMessage or FaceTime on an iOS device won't immediately be prompted to double-check their identity. On the other hand, once you long out of the service you may need two-factor authentication to log back in.
Two-factor authentication for iMessage and FaceTime may have yet to reach all users, but the rollout is nonetheless expanding quite rapidly. This is the first time Apple is using two-step authentication to protect data within specific apps, and marks an important step forward in terms of security.
To enable two-factor authentication on your account, go to My Apple ID > Manage your Apple ID and sign in > Password and Security > Two-step verification > Get Started. From there on, just follow the on-screen instructions and you're all set.
Apple has also quietly updated its support pages on Thursday, Feb. 12, to explain the process. You can find out more about app-specific passwords here and here.
