Apple's new beta release centering on iOS 16.3 is not only bringing in new features for iPhone and iPad users but also adding a layer to its security that will center on physical security keys for authentication. It is part of Apple's latest security enhancements it announced earlier this December, with the full integration arriving in 2023.
It will redefine Apple's two-factor authentication for Apple ID logins to its devices, one that would use a hardware key to authenticate the access apart from the username and password.
Apple iOS 16.3: Physical Security Keys Now Available in Beta
(Photo : Apple Newsroom via Screenshot)
Watching spy movies that center on nuclear terrorism shows people with the codes entering keys to further confirm identity, as these are unique to their access. And while Apple will not be protecting any state codes in the smartphones, the iOS 16.3 beta is now introducing the use of physical security keys to be its second layer in every two-factor authentication (2FA) need.
9to5 Mac's report said that alongside the iOS 16.3 beta's drop, comes the new hardware key authentication feature under Apple's 2FA for all that requires it.
According to Apple's statement, security keys will help in adding another layer of protection for users whenever logging in using their Apple IDs. It is important to note that this is optional for users, as it is not a requirement for people to purchase certified security keys for their use of the 2FA feature for their logins.
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Full Integration of Apple Security Keys Coming in 2023
Apple is working with the FIDO Alliance and third-party partners to create the hardware for the future full integration of the physical security keys in 2023, alongside iOS 16.3's public release.
Users with the device-to-device transfer process would only need to insert the key once to authenticate their Apple ID and iCloud login, and no longer need it when transferring to a new device.
Apple's Focus on iOS Security
In every update to its iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and the like, Apple integrates minor to major security tweaks to fix certain bugs that could be used by threat actors to infiltrate or access a device. In the recent iOS 16.2 public release, Apple included an option for people to turn off the "Hide IP Address" feature for the iCloud Private Relay to allow Safari to access data on certain sites.
And while the iOS 16.2 seems to be the last available public release for this year, users will have to either get on the beta testing program or wait for 2023 for the new version.
On another note, Apple recently released an Advanced Data Protection feature for the famous iCloud system, one that aims to deliver end-to-end encryption for the user to secure their usage.
Despite this new safety feature, it still faced mixed opinions from the public, organizations, and the British government for what it tries to bring to its users.
There are many regards against Apple's focus on iOS security, with some saying that it is not that secure or safe despite the Cupertino giant's claims about it. Still, this new feature for iOS 16.3 that will deliver Physical Security Keys will change the way people use two-factor authentication, one that will require people to insert the hardware to complete the verification.
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