Apple Triggers Two-Factor Authentication Prompts Over Push Notifications

Two-factor authentication, a security feature that has gained prominence in the era of the smartphone gets a push from Apple on its latest iOS beta, via notifications.

iOS 10.3 beta users have begun seeing prompts to enable two-factor authentication with push notifications, according to prominent Apple blog 9to5Mac.

The smartphone giant’s pointed ‘push’ toward prodding users to enable the security measure directs users to a screen in the iOS platform’s ‘Setting’ app that explains two-factor authentication (2FA).

Apple explains the security measure as follows, in its Settings app.

Two-factor authentication is the best way to keep your account secure. It can protect your account even if someone learns your password. When signing in, you’ll verify your identity using one of your devices or your phone number.

If two-factor authentication isn’t turned on and the user visits the Settings app, a new warning message will remind the Apple user to do just that, even if the notification is ignored.

Further, the notification is persistent. The message does not disappear in the event of an unlock, the way traditional notifications do. Users will have to enable 2FA, or manually clear the notification to dispose of it.

The extra layer of security to users’ Apple ID and iCloud accounts is a significant feature toward implementing better security, ensuring that accounts are safe even in the event of an account compromise.

 

When 2FA is enabled through the ‘Turn on’ button, the software asks to confirm the user’s phone number. A confirmation email from Apple promptly follows, informing the user that two-factor authentication has been enabled on the account.

The notable maneuver toward focusing on two-factor authentication underlines the importance Apple is placing upon user security. The push notification that is now urging iOS 10.3 beta users to enable 2FA is more than likely to see a wider rollout when iOS 10.3 gets a public release this spring.

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