Apple Beefs Up iCloud.com Security With 2-Step Verification

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Image: Mashable composite. Getty Creative, Pixsooz

By Karissa Bell2014-07-02 14:22:34 UTC

Your iCloud account just got a little more secure.

Apple rolled out two-step verification to iCloud.com, its cloud-based service for storing and syncing mail, photos, contacts and other account information among devices.

See also: 6 Ways to Boost Productivity With iCloud

Two-step verification adds an extra layer to of security to your Apple ID or iCloud account by requiring you provide extra information at login to confirm your identity. Now, users who have two-step authentication enabled on either will need to to complete this extra step when accessing apps through iCloud.com, Cult of Mac reports.

When accessing a web app on iCloud.com, including Mail, Contacts, Calendar or Notes, a text message with a four-digit code will be sent to the device tied to the account. That code must be entered before you can access any of iCloud.com's web apps— with the exception of Find My iPhone. It seems Apple assumes — and probably correctly — that if you don't have access to your iPhone, you likely won't be able to view a verification code.

Apple first rolled out two-step verification for individual iTunes and iCloud accounts last year after its security practices came under fire following an incident when then-Wired reporter Mat Honan's phone was hacked. Honan's iPhone, iPad and Macbook were remotely wiped by a hacker who talked his way past the security questions with Apple's tech support.

The company changed its policies in attempt to prevent such "hacks" from recurring before rolling out two-factor authentication.

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Topics: apple, apps-and-software, Apps and Software, iCloud, Tech, two-step verification