Apple has announced that third-party applications will need application-specific passwords for iCloud access starting next month.
What this means is that people who want to use third-party apps with iCloud from next month will have to enable two-factor authentication. You can see more details below.
Understanding App-Specific Passwords
Beginning on 15 June, app-specific passwords will be required to access your iCloud data using third-party apps such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, or other mail, contacts and calendar services not provided by Apple.
If you are already signed in to a third-party app using your primary Apple ID password, you will be signed out automatically when this change takes effect. You will need to generate an app-specific password and sign in again.
This new requirement for application-specific passwords will come into force on devices from the 15th of June 2017.
Why App-Specific Passwords?
The introduction of app-specific passwords is a significant step towards enhancing the security of your iCloud data. By requiring these unique passwords, Apple aims to ensure that even if a third-party app is compromised, your primary Apple ID remains secure. This is particularly important given the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just your password, but also a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone. This means that even if someone manages to get hold of your password, they would still need access to your second factor of authentication to gain entry to your account.
How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication
To comply with this new requirement, users will need to enable two-factor authentication for their Apple ID. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on Your Name: This will take you to your Apple ID settings.
3. Select Password & Security: Here, you will find the option to enable two-factor authentication.
4. Follow the Prompts: Apple will guide you through the process of setting up two-factor authentication, which includes verifying your phone number.
Once two-factor authentication is enabled, you can generate app-specific passwords for each third-party app that needs access to your iCloud data.
Generating App-Specific Passwords
Generating an app-specific password is straightforward:
1. Go to the Apple ID website: Visit appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Navigate to Security: Under the Security section, you will find the option to generate app-specific passwords.
3. Generate Password: Click on “Generate Password” and follow the instructions. You will be given a unique password that you can use for the third-party app.
Impact on Users
This change will impact users who rely on third-party applications for their email, contacts, and calendar services. While it may seem like an inconvenience initially, the added security benefits far outweigh the hassle. For instance, if you use Microsoft Outlook to manage your emails, you will need to generate an app-specific password and use it to sign in to Outlook instead of your primary Apple ID password.
Moreover, this move underscores Apple’s commitment to user privacy and security. By making it harder for unauthorized users to access your iCloud data, Apple is taking proactive steps to protect your personal information.
In conclusion, while the introduction of app-specific passwords may require some adjustments, it is a necessary step to enhance the security of your iCloud data. Users are encouraged to enable two-factor authentication and generate app-specific passwords for their third-party apps before the 15th of June 2017 to ensure a seamless transition.
Source MacRumors
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