Few weeks back Apple was rigorously threatened by the sketchy group of hackers, claiming they have credentials of hundreds of millions of Apple Emails. They threatened to clean off entire user data from around 200 million iCloud accounts if there monetary demands aren’t met by April 7.
Well hackers being hackers and Apple being “The Apple” put the entire matter to rest confirming that a cache of breached Apple ID information does exist— but it just didn’t come from a direct iCloud breach. The situation was later on handled and severe security details were enforced to minimize unauthorized access to user accounts.
That being said one can never be too cautious. Apple still advised all its users to pay extra attention while filling in their sign-up details – use strong passwords, never use the same passwords across sites and always turn-on two-factor authentication.
Let’s secure our iCloud accounts with Apple’s step by step guide
Reset your Apple ID Passwords now
The first and the foremost thing you can do and you should do to safeguard your iCloud Account is change your Apple Id password. Just simply visit your Apple’s reset page, fill in your account details and set up a new password. Make sure the password you are using is unique and you’ve never used it before for any other online service. Repeating passwords online pave way to such low key activities.
Once you are done with the “Reset the Password” mission, please cut yourself some slack and keep it secure. Don’t ever try to use it on any other device and this advice isn’t meant only for iCloud. If you are struggling to retain passwords of all your social accounts, keep Last Password or 1Password handy.
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is available to all iCloud users providing the individual acquires at least one device with iOS 9 or OS X EI Capitan.
Just follow these simple steps to turn on your two-factor authentication.
On your iphone, iPad or ipod touch with iOS 9 or later,
- Go to settings > iCloud > Tap your Apple ID
- Tap Password and Security
- Tap turn on two-factor authentication
On your Mac with OS X EI Capitan or later,
- Go to Apple Menu > System preferences > iCloud > Account Details
- Tap Security
- Tap turn on two-factor authentication
If you already use this two-factor authentication, turn it off, then again turn it on to refresh it.
This step will ensure that when you enter your password to log into your iCloud account, you’ll be compelled to punch in the unique verification code send to that registered phone number on your new device.