Apple Has Announced Physical Security Keys for Apple ID and iCloud Along WIth New iMessage Contact Key Verification
Apple announced that users will be able to protect their Apple ID and iCloud using physical Security Keys starting in 2023. What this means is that you will own a dedicated device that you can set up to act as the second layer of 2FA for your personal account. Apple states to 9to5mac: The Security Key will prevent advanced attacks on your account from unknown and untrusted devices. Apple says “This takes our two-factor authentication even further, preventing even an advanced attacker from obtaining a user’s second factor in a phishing scam." Apple will explore third-party options for the hardware Security Key devices. As for the iMessage Contact Key Verification, the feature will allow users to “further verify that they are messaging only with the people they intend.” The feature will alert users “if an exceptionally advanced adversary, such as a state-sponsored attacker, were ever to succeed breaching cloud servers and inserting their own device to eavesdrop on these encrypted communications.” Take note that the sender and recipient of iMessage must have the Contact Key Verification feature enabled. Additionally, users can also tally a Contact Verification Code on FaceTime, in person, or through a secure call. You will be able to access the verification code through the Messages app. Apart from this, the company is also expanding end-to-end encryption for iCloud data. This is all there is to it, folks. Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.