Apple adds 2 Step Verification (2 Factor Authentication) for Apple ID

This is big Security News, Apple has finally followed Google and others in having a Two Step (I think of it as 2 Factor) Security option.

Note, this appears to be true Two Factor, even if you are trying to recover lost password, you will still need a minimum of two of the 3 following: 

• Apple ID password
• Trusted Device [ SMS capable phone OR iOS device with Find My iPhone enabled]
• Recovery Key [14 digit Recovery Key Apple provides, they say print and keep in a safe place]

This has both a Pro, since it will be very hard for someone to Hack if your using strong a password.

As well as a Con, if you forget or lose 2 of those 3 things, you will be locked out of your Apple account forever, and would have to get a new one.

You can have multiple Trusted Devices though, and there is no reason you can't have a couple of hard copies of the Recovery Key in safe deposit box and home or office safe.

And if you use a good Password Keeper, also known as Password Manager, like LastPass https://lastpass.com/ you only need to remember one good password.

Reference Links:

• Apple ID: Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID:  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5570
• Apple ID: Can't sign in with two-step verification:  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5577
• [Trusted Devices] Apple ID: About SMS and two-step verification:  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5593
• Turning off two-step verification for your Apple ID:  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5631