American electronics and software corporation Apple has announced that it will be bolstering its iCloud security by expanding its verification checks, in order to protect its customers’ online data.
The move comes following a number of high-profile security hacks, including last month’s leak of private celebrity photos from Apple’s iCloud.
This latest action by the company should prevent the online data storage tool from being infiltrated by third-party software. However, for the time being, this security update remains optional to customers.
The verification check now includes a second step when a username and password are entered on new devices. Users will face a request for a four-digit code that will be sent through a trusted mobile phone or the app Find My iPhone.
Should the user not enter the requested code, they will be refused access to the device’s iCloud and will be blocked from making transactions in the company’s online stores, such as iTunes and the App Store.
However, a 14-character recovery code can be used to regain access to these accounts in the event of a lost or stolen device. The firm has warned users to keep this code in a safe place, so that they are not locked out completely.
Apple has told online news suppliers that the electronics enterprise intends to “aggressively encourage people” to make use of this security measure and turn on the two-step verification check, as well as advising them to be sure to use stronger passwords.
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