Apple is slowly, but steadily, shoring up security among its consumer services. The iMessage and audio-video service FaceTime are the latest to get the two-step verification process.
Prior to the two-step extra security layer, the voice and messaging services, along with access to Apple's App Store and Apple's homepage, were protected solely with a password security process.
The news, announced on Thursday, Feb. 12, comes on the heels of a report citing security issues with Apple services against potential hacking attackers.
A two-factor authentication requires users to create a more complex password and the verification of a PIN code provided to a user via a device.
"Your Apple ID is the key to many things you do with Apple. It's important that only you have the ability to access your account details, update your password, access the data you store and keep up to date with iCloud, or make iTunes and App Store purchases with your account," stated Apple, explaining the additional security method.
"Two-step verification is a feature you can use to keep your Apple ID and personal information as secure as possible," Apple's security support page clarified.
Apple's password security approach was the subject of scrutiny after celebrity users' iCloud accounts were breached, and the hack resulted in the release of private embarrasing photos.
The two-factor security authentication approach has been in play with Apple's iCloud service since last September. FaceTime and iMessage users who are also iCloud users will find the security mechanism enabled on the two additional services.
The Apple security support page offers a simple how-to instructional for users:
1. Go to My Apple ID.
2. Select Manage your Apple ID and sign in.
3. Select Password and Security.
4. Under Two-Step Verification, select Get Started and follow the onscreen instructions.
According to Apple, users will need to register at least one "trusted" device, which is defined as a device that can receive a four-digit code via SMS or using the "Find My iPhone" feature.
"Then, any time you sign in to manage your Apple ID at My Apple ID, sign in to iCloud, or make an iTunes, iBooks, or App Store purchase from a new device, you'll need to verify your identity by entering both your password and a 4-digit verification code, as shown below," stated the instructional.
Just in case you forget that verification code, Apple provides users with a 14-character Recovery Key that it suggests users print and keep in a safe place.
