Apple ID: How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication and Secure Your iPhone or iPad

A Apple is one of the largest technology and innovation companies in the world and during my time at the AppleCare, I had the opportunity to learn about the security policies of the North American company towards its customers, thus being able to understand the processes around the security protocols of the Apple ID and especially two-factor authentication

The company's rigor in dealing with privacy and the data contained in the Apple ID - popularly known as Apple ID ou Apple account - are based on General Law on Protection of Personal Data, LGPD, which regulates personal data processing activities and which also amends articles 7 and 16 of the Marco Civil da Internet. Understanding these issues prompted me to produce an article for you to discover what two-factor authentication is, how to activate it and what account security is for older devices. (inboundrem.com)

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Think of it as a security level for your Apple ID. By demanding a verification code In addition to your password, two-factor authentication secures your account, even if someone else knows your password. When signing in to your Apple ID on a new device you will need to confirm that it is really you. Just tap allow and enter the six-digit verification code shown on your trusted devices. You only need to do this once per device.

According to Apple's website in Brazil, with the two-factor authentication, just entering your password is no longer sufficient to access your account, and this significantly improves the security of your Apple ID and any personal information you store with the company.

The two-factor authentication is the latest security protocol developed by Apple engineers for iOS, iPadOS and macOS systems.

Turn on two-factor authentication in iPhone, iPad, or iPod Settings

To enable two-factor authentication through iOS system settings, just follow the path below.

If you are using iOS 10.3 or later:

1. Go to Settings > [your name] > Password & Security. 
2. Tap on “Enable Two-Factor Authentication”.
3. Touch Continue.

If using iOS 10.2 or earlier:

1. Go to Settings > iCloud. 
2. Tap Apple ID > Password & Security. 
3. Tap on “Enable Two-Factor Authentication”.
4. Touch Continue.

You may need to answer Apple ID security questions.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication on macOS

There are still instructions on how to enable two-factor authentication for those using the macOS system for MacIntosh devices

If you are using macOS Catalina: 

1. Choose Apple menu (?) > System Preferences and click Apple ID. 
2. Click on “Password and Security” under your name.  
3. Click on the option to enable two-factor authentication.

If you are using macOS Mojave or earlier: 

1. Select Apple menu (?) > System Preferences, click iCloud and select “Account Details”.
2. Click Security.
3. Click on the option to enable two-factor authentication.

By default, some Apple IDs created in iOS 10.3 or macOS
10.12.4 and later are protected by two-factor authentication. In that
In this case, two-factor authentication is already enabled.

If you already use two-step verification and would like to update it, turn it off and turn on two-factor authentication. If your account doesn't qualify for two-factor authentication, you can still use two-step verification to protect your information.

Older devices require Verification two-step

The penultimate account security protocol is the two step verification. This form of verification is more common for users who have created their Apple ID through the website or who use three security questions to verify their identity.

A two step verification is not the same as two-factor authentication as it is an older security method, and is still only available to users who are unable to update their device's systems to iOS 9 or later, or for OS X El Capitan or later. Therefore these devices are not eligible to use two-factor authentication.

To set up For two-step verification, you must register one or more trusted devices, which will be able to receive verification codes via SMS or the Find My iPhone app. After registration, whenever you log in to manage Apple ID, log in to iCloud or make a purchase via iTunes Store, Apple Books ou App Store Using a new device, you will need to confirm your identity by entering your password and four-digit verification code.

Source: Apple