Apple shared a support document this week detailing its new Apple ID security key feature, available starting with iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS 13.2. The document provides an overview of the new security key feature and explains how to use it.
Apple says the optional security feature is designed for individuals who want “additional protection against targeted attacks like phishing or social scams. When enabled, signing in to an Apple ID requires entering the user’s account password and then using a FIDO-authenticated security key to complete two-factor authentication, rather than a traditional six-digit authentication code from another Apple device.
Those users who enable this feature must be very careful not to lose their security key, as this could result in permanent loss of access to their Apple ID account. Therefore, users must set up at least two security keys, supporting a maximum of six in total.
Apple recommends keeping security keys in multiple locations. For example, security keys can be tucked away somewhere in the home as a backup solution.
“Keep your security keys in a safe place and consider keeping security keys in multiple locations,” the document says. “For example, one key at home and one key at the office. If you’re traveling, you may want to leave one security key at home.”
To enable security keys for your Apple ID on your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, click on the user’s name, click on “Passwords and Security,” select ” Add a Security Key” and follow the on-screen instructions. On a Mac, open the System Settings application, click on the name, click on Passwords and Security, click on Add next to Security Keys, and follow the steps. Add, and follow the steps.
By repeating the above steps and clicking or tapping “Delete All Security Keys,” users can delete their security key at any time, at which point their Apple ID will revert to two-factor authentication using a six-digit authentication code.
Many security keys look similar to USB flash drives, with some options available wirelessly via NFC and others equipped with Lightning, USB-C, or USB-A ports for direct connection to iPhone, iPad and Mac. YubiKey 5Ci.
Apple’s documentation provides some other important details, so it’s worth checking before enabling the feature. For example, users cannot sign in to iCloud for Windows with this feature enabled, and certain types of Apple ID accounts are not supported.
