Two Step Verification a Necessity to Keep iCloud Account Safe

The recent breaches of iCloud accounts of Hollywood celebrities that sent shockwaves through the world of showbiz and iCloud users has shaken up the entire tech world as well.People are now in constant fear of personal and professional data being stolen or humiliatingly exposed. There is a big question mark now on the privacy of personal data.

Is it safe to use iCloud after the celebrity account breach?With questions being raised about the safety measures of personal information in not only iCloud but also other data sharing platforms, one needs to be ensured of a higher level of security parameters in order to feel safe about user accounts.Here are some easy and effective tips to secure and use iCloud freely and safely:

Use two factor authentication
The iCloud hacking has yet again brought to the fore questions about the security of traditional password-protected accounts. Experts have been advocating the need for two factor authentication to protect data and information, whether it's personal or professional. The recent breaches have turned this recommendation into a necessity.

For using iCloud securely, set up two-step verification by registering one or more trusted devices. A trusted device is a device you control that can receive 4-digit verification codes using either SMS or Find My iPhone.

This enabled security feature will ensure that any time you sign in to manage your Apple ID, sign in to iCloud, or make an iTunes, iBooks, or App Store purchase from a new device, you'll need to verify your identity by entering both your password and a 4-digit verification code. In other words, it means anyone trying to access your Apple accounts from an unfamiliar device will end up alerting you as you will receive an instant notification. Without both your password and the verification code, access to your account will be denied.

Two factor authentication needs the user to authenticate his/her identity in two different ways. The second step adds a vigorous level of security that keeps an account safe even if one of the factors is compromised. In short, 2FA provides a higher level of security than a simple password.

Dual factor authentication works on 2 different factors:
* Something only the user knows such as a PIN code or password.
* Something only the user has such as, an SMS code, or a unique one time password sent to a registered device owned by the user.

This process prevents hackers who use several sophisticated methods to guess a password but they can have no access to the authentication code sent to your registered phone.

In order to increase account security, experts advise people to use 2 factor authentication if a website, email provider, bank or ISP gives them the option. Most social media sites now ask users to provide additional authentication when they log in from a new device or location.

If the functionality is available on the site, you must enable 2FA functionality to secure your accounts from hackers. The growing significance of two-factor authentication can be judged from the fact that even Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Facebook, and iCloud advise their users to use 2FA.

You Need to Check the iCloud, Not Just Your Mobile
If you have deleted your photos from your phone don't take it for granted that they are also deleted from youriCloud account. Actually,iCloud keeps a backup of everything you do on your smartphone. If you don't want to see any particular data or content leaked on the Internet, delete it permanently from your iCloud.

Keep On Changing Passwords
This is one of the most simple and the best ways to protect your accounts from professional malicious hackers. The surprising thing is that most users keep the same passwords for all their accounts to be able to easily remember them when needed. However, this significantly increases exposure to potential hacking. If the password is broken, all of your accounts can be under threat together. Use a combination of numbers and upper and lower case letters to create unique and strong passwords.

Don't put data online which you don't want people to see
Don't take the risk of putting up on iCloud or other data sharing platforms any images or data that you want to keep private.Ensure complete security of your online accounts is difficult. Make sure you have enabled two-factor authentication in your accounts to keep your data and images secure.

No need to remember any security questions
Two-step verification has made redundant the need to create or remember any security questions. You don't need to remember where you mother was born or the name of your first class teacher only to access your account. Your identity is verified exclusively using your password and verification codes sent to your trusted devices.

Tarun Wig is a Technology Evangelist and Two step verification expert. He is part of the core team of Authshield Labs and has been actively involved in research on information security vulnerabilities. His expertise lies in innovating latest technologies including Two Factor Authentication to protect users and organizations from hacking attacks. Apart from consulting multiple organizations, he is also an active participant in Indian Infosec Consortium, the largest group of security professionals in India.

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