Apple accounts get two-factor authentication

Apple has released two factor authentication to bolster security for purchases and account changes across Apple ID and iCloud.

Apple's two-factor verification required users to go through a second login step using a unique code when users make account changes, like resetting their password, or purchase items from an untrusted device via iTunes or the App Store.

The four-digit verification code is sent to a trusted device via text message or through Apple's “Find My iPhone” notification feature.

“Turning on two-step verification reduces the possibility of someone accessing or making unauthorized changes to your account information at My Apple ID or making purchases using your account,” a Thursday post on Apple's support page said.

The security measure would attempt to prevent attacks like the high-profile hack in August in which journalist Mat Honan's iPhone, iPad and MacBook were erased.

The attacker, said to be 20 year old US man Ryan Stevenson, broke into Horan's Amazon account to gain sufficient information to then compromise the reporter's iCloud account.

The iCloud account allowed the devices to be wiped.

At the time of the incident, Apple suspended the option for users to reset Apple ID passwords via its call centers, while it determined a more secure way to verify the identity of customers wishing to reset passwords.

Users can set up two-factor verification by logging in to manage their Apple ID account, then selecting “password and security,” and clicking “get started” under the two-step verification section.

This article originally appeared at scmagazineus.com