Apple switches on two-factor authentication for iMessage, FaceTime

Apple has decided to bring two-factor authentication to iMessage and FaceTime, extending the service to coverage beyond iCloud accounts.

The company said 2FA would be available for the text and video calling services from today across iPhones, iPads and Macs.

Two-factor authentication is a two-step process for accessing an account, using a password and a PIN code send to a trusted device.

It means once iMessage or FaceTime users log out of their accounts, the app-specific security code will be required to verify their identity and re-access their account.

The announcement follows a recent report that found multiple Apple services remained vulnerable to hacking attempts, as the two-factor security Apple offered for its iCloud cloud storage service didn't extend to products like iTunes and the App Store.

Two-factor for iCloud was added last September following the high-profile and large-scale attack on the personal accounts of a number of celebrities.

Apple had introduced 2FA for Apple IDs earlier that year, as well as app-specific passwords for apps that don't natively support challenge and response verification codes.