March 2023 - Examining Apple's New Support for Hardware Security Keys for Two Factor Authentication

In January Apple released two new security features that offer huge improvements in security and privacy for its iCloud users, but they come with usability, complexity and recovery costs. In the last article we focused on the Advanced Data Protection offered by Apple. This article will focus on the Apple hardware security keys and two factor authentication.

Apple has been a leader in the tech industry when it comes to user security and privacy. As part of its efforts to protect users' data, Apple has been promoting the use of hardware security keys and two-factor authentication (2FA). While these security measures can be effective in protecting users' accounts, the decision to use them or not is ultimately up to the individual.

What are Hardware Security Keys?

Hardware security keys are physical devices that you can use to authenticate your identity when logging into your accounts. They work by generating a unique code each time you log in, which can only be accessed by the device itself. This makes it extremely difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts, as they would need to physically steal your device to be able to access your account.

Apple has been a strong advocate for the use of hardware security keys. The company has incorporated support for these devices into its latest operating systems, including macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. This means that users can use hardware security keys to log into their Apple accounts, as well as other accounts that support this type of authentication.

One of the benefits of using hardware security keys is that they are much more secure than traditional forms of authentication, such as passwords. Passwords can be easily stolen or guessed, but hardware security keys are much more difficult to compromise. They also offer a level of convenience, as you only need to carry around one small device instead of remembering multiple passwords.

However, there are some downsides to using hardware security keys. For one, they can be expensive. Depending on the brand and type of device you choose, you could end up spending anywhere from $20 to $100 or more. Additionally, not all websites and services support hardware security keys, so you may not be able to use them with all of your accounts.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is another security measure that Apple strongly recommends. 2FA involves using a second form of authentication in addition to your password when logging into your accounts. This can be in the form of a code that is sent to your phone, or it can be a biometric measure such as Touch ID or Face ID.

Like hardware security keys, 2FA is much more secure than relying solely on a password. It adds an extra layer of protection that makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts. Additionally, many websites and services now require 2FA, so you may not have a choice in whether or not to use it.

There are some downsides to using 2FA, however. For one, it can be inconvenient. Having to enter a code or use a biometric measure each time you log into an account can be time-consuming. Additionally, if you lose access to the device that you use for 2FA, such as your phone, you could be locked out of your account.

In conclusion, Apple's support for hardware security keys and 2FA is a positive step in improving user security and privacy. These measures can be highly effective in protecting your accounts from hackers and other malicious actors. However, the decision to use them or not ultimately comes down to personal preference.

If you value security and are willing to invest in a hardware security key, then it could be a good choice for you. If you find 2FA to be too inconvenient, then you may want to stick with traditional forms of authentication. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.