Apple has just started sending emails to users with two-step verification activated for their iCloud, reminding then that starting tomorrow, iCloud will require app-specific passwords. This is part of the company’s move to tighten up its security following the nude celebrity photo leak that happened last month.
Even though Apple has already issued a statement claiming that the photo leak isn’t because iCloud was compromised, saying that it’s a targeted attack on usernames, passwords and security questions, the Cupertino company still insists on tightening up the security on its iCloud service.
App-specific password requirements was supposed to be implemented at the beginning of the month but I guess things got delayed a little. With app-specific passwords activated, any third-party apps that requires access to your iCloud data will require you to generate an app-specific password. It will be activated automatically for all iCloud users so if you are using apps like Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird or other mail, contacts and calendar apps, visit Apple to find out more about using app-specific passwords.
While troublesome at first, using app-specific passwords can come in really handy in the future. You can have up to 25 active app-specific passwords at any given time and if you need to, you can revoke passwords easily on iCloud. If your device gets stolen or hacked, just go to “My Apple ID”, log in, and revoke individual or all passwords with just several clicks.
Visit Apple to find out more about app-specific passwords on iCloud.
