Apple Tests Out Physical Keys To Keep Your Passwords Safe Online

[Firewaller]

Apple is making one radical after another when it comes to safeguarding passwords. First, the company sought to make them redundant by introducing its encrypted key system, which uses biometrics on portable devices to log you in.

Now, it’s returning to good ol’ fashion physical keys that can unlock your online accounts. Currently, in line with Apple’s two-factor authorization setup, when you log onto an account on one of your devices, Apple will send a verification code to a separate device, which you will have to retrieve a numerical ID. Security Keys seeks to remove that step and replace the code with a physical gadget that can link to your devices.

On top of this, Apple isn’t just pushing out its own set of keys but invites users to use ones from third parties instead. When setting up the key, you will be asked to set two up, one of which will be used as a backup. You will also have to ensure that your key is FIDO Certified. The tech giant states that this will come in handy for public figures like celebrities, government officials, and journalists who may hold valuable information on their ecosystem. Beta testing for the system began on Wednesday, with a full introduction to Security Keys slated for 2023.   [via MacRumors and AppleInsider, images via Apple]

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