Apple Enables Two-Step Authentication on iMessage and Facetime

Apple has added two-factor authentication to iMessage and Facetime, having previously provided iCloud and iTunes with the more secure login protection. Users who enable login protection are required to type an additional password when logging in.

To log in to Facetime and iMessage, users must generate a second login code via the Apple website, a one-time password, which they then have to enter in the app. This happens in addition to the regular password. The more secure login method should make it less easy for attackers to gain access to an account.

Users must enable the more secure login method themselves. It was already enabled on iCloud and iTunes. Apple is relatively late in rolling out two-step authentication; almost all competing internet companies have been offering the more secure login method for some time.

iCloud received negative headlines last summer when it emerged that nude photos of celebrities had been stolen, including by guessing answers to security questions. Apple is one of the few companies that still leans on answers to security questions for security.