iOS Users Get Better Security Risk Warnings

The password may be the oldest digital security measure, but because of that, it shows its age and vulnerabilities. If it’s the only component of a single-factor security authentication mechanism, then guessing or stealing a password grants total access. Multiple accounts may be potentially compromised if that password is used for more than one account. So while the Internet continues to move toward a multifactor authentication future, the ubiquity of traditional passwords is still an issue today, and Apple now has a measure to help increase user security.

Knowing You Are At Risk

As covered by CNet Central, Apple now provides extra insurance for iOS users who still rely on passwords for some accounts. One of the biggest fears for password theft is that even if a user personally doesn’t have a password compromised or stolen, that theft can still occur if a large company with a user database gets breached. Criminals now on the “inside” have access to user data, including passwords.

Apple has a new measure in place that monitors data breaches with other companies and monitors affected users. Now, if an iOS user’s data and password are part of another company’s data breach, iOS users can get notified that they are now vulnerable and then quickly act to change the password for that compromised account to prevent any potential intrusion into their own data.

All iOS users have to do to enable this is the following:

• Open settings on the Apple device
• Scroll down and tap to select Passwords
• Unlock with Touch ID or your chosen password
• Tap to enable security recommendations
• Toggle “Detect Compromised Passwords” to ON

And now, iOS will monitor and inform you of whether your information is part of a data breach, giving you the early warning to take appropriate security response measures to change your password and protect your accounts and data.

Transitioning To The Future

Fortunately, while passwords are becoming increasingly vulnerable, better technologies are being implemented across systems and businesses. Next-level multifactor authentication, which uses more than one mechanism for verifying user legitimacy, is gaining widespread adoption thanks to universal standards being developed by the Fast Identity Online Alliance, or FIDO. Because of this, companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft cooperate with other businesses to ensure that passwords are eventually phased out, and much stronger, more resistant security mechanisms like passkeys are in place to protect people and businesses.

If you’re interested in passkeys and increased cybersecurity, learn more here about how Nok Nok manages passkeys to enable passwordless authentication.