One of the biggest concern these days is the privacy and security of our online accounts. We perform lots of activities like credit card transactions, confidential data, personal media tec. So it is really important to keep our online accounts secure.
Gmail is having the two-step verification since a long time and few other online services as well. Apple, one of the biggest online accounts database owner, also provides the Two-Step Verification and Two-Factor Authentication for the security of the Apple ID or iCloud account. But many people do not know about them and do not use them.
It is really important to use these security features as very recently around 225,000 Apple accounts were affected by Apple's biggest ever "KeyRaider" iCloud account data theft.
The basic difference between Apple’s Two-Step Verification and Two-Factor Authentication is that the Apple’s Two-Factor Authentication provides better account security by adding an extra step into the process before a verification code is presented on the trusted iOS or Mac device. By this way, it makes the process more secure than Two-Step Verification.
You can use only one security feature at a time for your Apple ID or iCloud account, either Two-Step Verification or Two-Factor Authentication. So if you are already using the Two-Step Verification then you will have to turn it off first to use the Two-Factor Authentication. The method to turn off the Two-Step Verification is also shared below with how to enable the Two-Factor Authentication on your Apple ID and iCloud account for better security and privacy.
HOW TO : Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Apple iCloud Account
HOW TO : Enable Two-Factor Authentication on iCloud Account from iPhone
1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Tap on the "iCloud" option.
3. Now tap on the Apple ID showing on your screen and enter your iCloud password if asked.
4. Tap on the "Password & Security" option to enter it.
5. On the next screen, you will find the Two-Factor Authentication section. Tap on the "Setup Two-Factor Authentication" option.
6. Enter your phone number and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup of Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID and iCloud account.
You can also setup the Two-Factor Authentication for your Apple ID from your Mac running on El Capitan or higher if you are not having an iOS device currently.
HOW TO : Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Apple Account from Mac
1. Click on the Apple logo on the menu bar on your Mac to launch the System Preferences settings.
2. Now, go to iCloud --> Account Details --> Security.
3. Enter your iCloud password when requested
4. Click on the Setup Two-Factor Authentication option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
HOW TO : Turn Off the Two-Step Verification on Apple ID or iCloud Account
1. Login to your Apple ID account page on appleid.apple.com
2. Go to the “Security” section and click on Edit link.
3. Now click on the Turn Off Two-Step Verification option in the Security section. When requested, create the new security questions and verify your date of birth linked to your Apple iCloud account.