Apple this week launched iOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2, bringing an overdue characteristic to our Apple units: Safety key assist for Apple IDs. Which means you should utilize a USB-C, Lightning, or NFC dongle because the second issue of authentication as a substitute of the six-digit verification code Apple often sends to a different machine.
As Apple explains, a bodily key strengthens the two-factor authentication course of and helps forestall codes from being intercepted or requested by an attacker. With a safety key, your account authentication is actually in your arms and nobody else has entry to it. Nevertheless, in case you lose your trusted safety keys, you may be locked out of your account completely.
To forestall that from taking place, Apple requires two FIDO Licensed safety keys to make use of the brand new characteristic so that you’ll have a backup. Among the many really helpful keys are NFC, USB-C, and Lightning keys from YubiKey in addition to the Feitan ePass K9 key, although any FIDO Licensed key with the correct connector ought to work. Apple notes that NFC keys will solely work on the iPhone and USB-C keys ought to work with an iPhone utilizing a USB-C-to-Lightning adapter.
There are additionally some Apple ID login options that gained’t work with safety keys:
- You may’t signal into iCloud for Home windows.
- You may’t signal into older units that may’t be up to date to iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, or macOS 13.2.
- Youngster accounts and Managed Apple IDs aren’t supported.
Moreover, an Apple Watch paired with a member of the family’s iPhone gained’t be supported. Apple says you’ll have to arrange your watch with your individual iPhone to make use of a safety key.
If you may get previous all that, the method is easy. Head over to the Settings app (System Settings on Macs), faucet your Apple ID title, then Password & Safety and Add Safety Keys, and observe the prompts to register your key. You’ll want to remain signed into all lively units to proceed utilizing a safety key. To complete the method, you’ll be signed out of any units that haven’t been up to date to iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, or macOS 13.2.
