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A couple of weeks ago, we told you about iPad and iPhone owners in Australia whose devices were ransomed off by a hacker or group of hackers that figured out a way to get into the software program and lock users out. If you recall, Apple’s response to the situation was to recommend that everyone enable two-step verification in order to protect devices from future attacks. If you’ve never enabled two-step verification on your iPad, or don’t know what it is, we’ve got a tutorial that will help explain it all and show you what to do.
In general, two-step verification means that a person must follow two different actions in order to confirm that they are authorized to access information. It could be a password followed by a text message that must be responded to, or a fingerprint scan followed by a retina scan. There are many two-step verification systems. Apple’s involves entering a passcode, followed by entering a four-digit code that is sent to a separate device. With it, your personal information attached to your Apple ID is more secure. Additionally, Apple sends a 14-digit recovery code so that, if you are locked out of your software program, you can regain access to it, even if someone has hacked in and locked it.
You must activated two-step verification online by first visiting the Apple ID manager page, called MY Apple ID. Follow the link to access the site. Click on “Manage Your Apple ID” and sign in. This username and password is the same one you use to buy content on your iPad.
Next, select “Password and Security.” You will be asked to answer two security questions that you designated when you first created your Apple ID. I have to admit, it had been so long since I filled out the security questions, that I actually got the answers wrong. Luckily, you can reset your security questions if you’ve forgotten them.
Once logged into your account, click on “Getting started…” under the Two-Step Verification headline. The process will be explained to you and you will be prompted to accept or cancel the set-up process. You will always need your password and a trusted device or your recovery key in order to sign in to manage your account, make content purchase, or get Apple ID related support.
Apple goes through additional steps to clarify that, after two-step verification has been enabled, you can no longer reset your password without your recovery key and a trusted device to reset it.
At this point, to continue to two-step verification set up, click “Get Started.”
You will be asked to register one or more trusted devices. This could be your iPhone, your spouses, iPhone, or even your boss’s iPhone. The device must have SMS capabilities or is connected with Find My iPhone/iPad. It must also be a device that you can have access to at any time, just in case you need to authorize something in the middle of the night.
Once registered, any time you sign in to manage your Apple ID at My Apple ID or make an iTunes, App Store, or iBooks Store purchase from a new device, you will be sent a four-digit verification code to the registered trusted device.
You will be prompted to enter the verification code after entering your passcode in order to continue. If you don’t have the verification code and your passcode, you will not be able to access your Apple ID account.
The 14-digit Recovery Key is necessary when you have forgotten your password, lost your trusted device, or have been locked out of your mobile operating system. This password must be printed out or written down and saved somewhere easy to remember. Apple even suggests that you make two copies and save them in different, secure locations, just in case one gets lost. Do not lose your 14-digit Recovery Key or Apple support will not be able to help you at all.
So, now that you have two-step verification enabled, be sure to always have your 14-digit Recovery code, your password, and at least one of your trusted devices on hand. You’ll be just a little bit safer from attack with this extra security measure in place.
» Related posts:
PadGadget’s iPad Tips: Setting Up a More Robust Passcode on your iPad or iPhone
Australian iPads and iPhone are Being Hacked and Held for Ransom
PadGadget’s iPad Tips: How to Tether Your iPhone to your iPad
