Physical security keys provide extra protection for your Apple ID against phishing attacks.
A security key is a small external device that looks like a thumb drive or tag, which can be used for verification when signing in with your Apple ID using two-factor authentication.
Security Keys for Apple ID
Security Keys for Apple ID is an optional advanced security feature designed for people who want extra protection from targeted attacks, such as phishing or social engineering scams.
With two-factor authentication — which is designed to make sure that you're the only one who can access your Apple ID account — you need to provide two pieces of information to sign in with your Apple ID to a new device or on the web.
- The first piece of information is your Apple ID password.
- A security key can act as the second piece of information, instead of the six-digit verification code that is normally used.
Because you use a physical key instead of the six-digit code, security keys strengthen the two-factor authentication process and help prevent your second authentication factor from being intercepted or requested by an attacker.
You're responsible for maintaining access to your security keys. If you lose all of your trusted devices and security keys, you could be locked out of your account permanently.
Learn more about two-factor authentication
What's required for Security Keys for Apple ID
- At least two FIDO® Certified*security keys that work with the Apple devices that you use on a regular basis.
- iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, or macOS Ventura 13.2, or later on all of the devices where you're signed in with your Apple ID.
- Two-factor authentication set up for your Apple ID.
- A modern web browser. If you can't use your security key to sign in on the web, update your browser to the latest version or try another browser.
- To sign in to Apple Watch, Apple TV, or HomePod after you set up security keys, you need an iPhone or iPad with a software version that supports security keys.
*FIDO® Certified is a trademark (registered in numerous countries) of the FIDO Alliance, Inc.
What doesn't work with Security Keys for Apple ID
- You can't sign in to iCloud for Windows.
- You can't sign in to older devices that can't be updated to a software version that supports security keys.
- Child accounts and Managed Apple IDs aren't supported.
- Apple Watches that are paired with a family member's iPhone aren't supported. To use security keys, first set up your watch with your own iPhone.
Choose the right security keys
Security Keys for Apple ID works with any FIDO® Certified security key. Some good examples include:
- YubiKey 5C NFC (works with most Mac and iPhone models)
- YubiKey 5Ci (works with most Mac and iPhone models)
- FEITIAN ePass K9 NFC USB-A (works with older Mac models and most iPhone models)
If you choose a different security key, you should choose security keys that are FIDO® Certified, and have a connector that works with the Apple devices that you use on a regular basis.
For a complete list of certified keys from the FIDO Alliance,visit the FIDO® Certified Showcase.
Choose the right connectors for your device
Security keys with both near-field communication (NFC) and a USB-C connector work with most Apple devices.
Identify the ports on your Mac
NFC
Near-field communication (NFC) keys work only with iPhone. These keys connect to your device with just a tap.
USB-C
USB-C connectors work with iPhone 15 or later and most Mac models.
Lightning
Lightning connectors work with iPhone 14 and most previous iPhone models.
USB-A
USB-A connectors work with older Mac models, and can work on newer Mac models with a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter.
Use Security Keys for Apple ID
When you use Security Keys for Apple ID, you need a trusted device or a security key to:
- Sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or on the web
- Reset your Apple ID password or unlock your Apple ID
- Add additional security keys or remove a security key
Keep your security keys in a safe place, and consider keeping a security key in more than one place. For example, keep one key at home and one key at work. If you're traveling, you might want to leave one of your security keys at home.
Add security keys to your account
You can add security keys only on an Apple device with compatible software. You must add and maintain at least two security keys. You can add up to six keys.
You need a passcode or password set up on the device that you use to add security keys.
During set up, you're signed out of inactive devices, which are devices associated with your Apple ID that you haven't used or unlocked in more than 90 days. To sign back into these devices, update to compatible software and use a security key. If your device can't be updated to compatible software, you won't be able to sign back in.
On iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name, then tap Sign-in & Security.
- Tap Two-Factor Authentication.
- Tap Security Keys, then tap Add Security Keys. Follow the onscreen instructions to add your keys.
- Review the devices associated with your Apple ID, then choose to:
- Stay signed in to all active devices.
- Select devices that you don't want to continue to have access to your account and sign out of them.
To stop using security keys: Open the Settings app, tap your name, then tap Sign-in & Security. Tap Two-Factor Authentication, tap Security Keys, then tap Remove All Security Keys. If you remove all security keys, your Apple ID reverts to using the six-digit verification code for two-factor authentication.
On Mac
- From the Apple menu, choose System Settings, then click your name.
- Click Sign-in & Security, then tap Two-Factor Authentication.
- Next to Security Keys, click Set Up, then follow the onscreen instructions to add your keys.
- Review the devices associated with your Apple ID, then choose to:
- Stay signed in to all devices.
- Select devices that you don't want to continue to have access to your accountand sign out of them.
To stop using security keys: Open System Settings, click your name, then click Sign-in & Security. Click Two-Factor Authentication, click Security Keys, then click Remove All Security Keys. If you remove all security keys, your Apple ID reverts to using the six-digit verification code for two-factor authentication.
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Published Date:
As a cybersecurity expert with extensive knowledge in the field, I can attest to the critical importance of robust security measures, especially in today's digital landscape where phishing attacks and social engineering scams are prevalent. The use of physical security keys is a commendable practice, and in the context of Apple ID security, it provides an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article regarding Security Keys for Apple ID:
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
- Two-Factor Authentication is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two different authentication factors before gaining access to an account.
- In the case of Apple ID, the first factor is the user's password, and the second factor can be a six-digit verification code or a physical security key.
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Security Keys for Apple ID:
- Security Keys for Apple ID is an optional advanced security feature designed to offer enhanced protection against targeted attacks, such as phishing or social engineering scams.
- It replaces the traditional six-digit verification code with a physical security key during the two-factor authentication process.
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Responsibility for Security Keys:
- Users are responsible for maintaining access to their security keys. Losing all trusted devices and security keys may result in permanent account lockout.
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Requirements for Security Keys for Apple ID:
- At least two FIDO® Certified security keys compatible with Apple devices.
- Running iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, or macOS Ventura 13.2, or later.
- Two-Factor Authentication must be set up for the Apple ID.
- A modern web browser is required for web-based sign-ins.
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Unsupported Scenarios:
- Security Keys for Apple ID is not supported on iCloud for Windows.
- Unsupported on older devices that cannot be updated to support security keys.
- Not compatible with child accounts and Managed Apple IDs.
- Apple Watches paired with family member's iPhones are not supported.
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Choosing the Right Security Keys:
- Examples of FIDO® Certified security keys include YubiKey 5C NFC, YubiKey 5Ci, and FEITIAN ePass K9 NFC USB-A.
- Compatibility with Apple devices is crucial when selecting a security key.
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Connector Types:
- Security keys with both NFC and USB-C connectors work with most Apple devices.
- Different connector types (NFC, USB-C, Lightning, USB-A) cater to various Apple device models.
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Using Security Keys:
- Security keys are used for signing in, resetting passwords, unlocking Apple IDs, and managing additional security keys.
- It is recommended to keep security keys in secure locations, such as at home and work, to prevent loss during travel.
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Adding and Managing Security Keys:
- Users can add and maintain at least two security keys, with a maximum of six keys.
- Passcode or password on the device is required for adding security keys.
- Inactive devices associated with the Apple ID may require an update to compatible software when adding security keys.
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Discontinuing the Use of Security Keys:
- Users can choose to stop using security keys, reverting to the six-digit verification code for two-factor authentication.
In conclusion, the implementation of Security Keys for Apple ID is a prudent step in enhancing the security posture of Apple users, offering protection against a range of cyber threats. The selection, setup, and responsible management of security keys are crucial aspects of ensuring the effectiveness of this security measure.
