Apple has published a document that Explain the new functionality Security keys for Apple IDavailable starting with iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, and macOS 13.2.
This security feature is designed for people who want to “Additional protection against targeted attacks, such as phishing or social engineering scams.”
When enabled, signing in to Apple’s Apple ID requires you to enter your account password, and then use a FIDO certified security key to complete two-step authentication, instead of a traditional six-digit verification code on another Apple device.
Those who activate the function must have be very careful not to lose your security keys, as this could result in permanently losing access to your Apple ID account. For this reason, You must configure at least two security keys, with a maximum of six in total.
Apple recommends keeping your security keys in more than one place. For example, you can hide a key somewhere in the house as a backup solution.
“Keep your security keys in a safe place and consider keeping a security key in more than one place” says the document. “For example, keep one key at home and another at work. If you’re traveling, you may want to leave one of your security keys at home.»
The security key YubiKey 5Ci It is one of those recommended by Apple
To activate security keys for Apple ID on an iPhone or iPad, open the app settingstouch your name, touch “Password and Security”Choose “Add Security Keys” and follow the instructions on the screen. On Mac, open the System Settings app, tap your name, tap Password & Security, tap Add next to Security Keys, and follow the steps.
Security keys can be removed at any time by repeating the steps described above and tapping or clicking “Delete all security keys”at which point your Apple ID will once again use a six-digit verification code for two-factor authentication.
Many security keys look similar to a USB stick with Lightning, USB-C, and/or USB-A ports for direct connectivity to iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Apple recommends some security keys in the document, such as the YubiKey 5Ci ( Amazon) with Lightning and USB-C.
Apple’s document provides a few other important details, so it’s worth reviewing before enabling the feature. For example, you can’t sign in to iCloud for Windows when the feature is turned on, and some types of Apple ID accounts aren’t supported.
