lbeck

Q: What is the secret to Apple passwords?

I'm getting really upset with the Apple confusing password security protocols.  This has been going on for years and I need to know the terminology and protocols for the various Apple applications.  After being locked out and needing to reset, I'm learning only that there are different protocols for:

 

  • iCloud
  • Apple TV
  • This forum
  • iTunes
  • iPad forum
  • Maybe others

 

Apparently there are different terms:

 

  • Apple ID
  • Username
  • Password
  • iCloud security code
  • Maybe others

 

I have written down various combinations of my email, username, PW, security code, Apple ID and maybe other security information.  They are not the same for the various Apple products.  If I make the incorrect entries for a small number of tries, I get locked out and am forced to reset terms.  Then I use the new terms for a different product or utility and get locked out again.

 

Can someone direct me to a site that lists 1. Apple product/utility (AppleTV/iTunes/forums/etc.) and 2. the term used for security (PW/username/email/Apple ID/etc.) and what combination of these is acceptable?

 

Also, continuing my rant, it would be good if the login dialog would be more user friendly and warn the user of the number of tries allowed and a hint as to the correct answer like "usually your email" or "case sensitive" or "L****02".  I can't believe that robots or hackers are so sophisticated that it can crack most of the hints that other sites provide.

Posted on Feb 14, 2016 9:27 PM

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Q: What is the secret to Apple passwords?

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Feb 15, 2016 8:24 PM in response to lbeck
    Level 6 (14,409 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 15, 2016 8:24 PM in response to lbeck

    There are a few things, that have changed over a few years ago:

     

    • Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID - Apple Support

     

    • About two-step verification and SMS - Apple Support

     

    • Two-factor authentication for Apple ID - Apple Support

     

    You could choose to limit your number of AppleIDs to one AppleID; if you have two.

    They can be combined; I've only the one. Don't see a need at the moment for more.

    Unless your situation has changed by intent or accident.

     

    Apple ID FAQs - Apple US:

    https://appleid.apple.com/#!&page=faq

     

    Recover your AppleID - Apple:

    https://iforgot.apple.com/password/verify/appleid#!&section=password

     

    This has been a problem for a few years; there are newer solutions to some, now:

    http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/multiple-apple-ids-frustrated-by-apples-no-co nsolidation-policy/

     

    Even if someone's old AppleID is based on a non-working email address, that can

    be changed; Apple support has articles and if you happen to have a newer product

    their better help is free, if you can ask them a question that relates to the newest one.

     

    Sometimes an older password will have been too easy for something or someone to guess.

    An automated system that can run through dozens of probable combinations a second, a

    bit like an automated phone dialer, but more sophisticated, can eventually guess many.

    So it is a good idea to change your login passwords & use juxtapositions of letter/number.

     

    A little more than a year ago, when I bought a newer product from Apple, and sought to

    use it, my password was deemed not secure; in the process of changing it & then found

    my name associated with features I'd no intention of using, (it signed me up to iCloud, etc)

    I had to change the password again to one more complex than previous. And for some

    reason, Apple system treated it like an all-new AppleID; though account was unaffected.

     

    There is quite a bit of fiscal investment by some sleuthing for private information and some

    of them are not supposed to be doing that under rules of law. Others have paralegal rights

    to think they can do so, and then there are those adware scams where people give up all

    their passwords and computer or device access instead of learning how to remove popups.

     

    Because there are several angles, the simple things involve user-secure practices to avoid

    the bad guys from getting an edge. And avoid giving away too many different pieces of the

    puzzle online because they can be easily interlocked again because computers do that.

     

    (Avoid calling a phone number in a scam popup message on the computer, for example;

    the hold-hostage scam initially is easily ignored by force-quite of the browser; then launch

    the browser with extensions disabled; or with internet access physically turned off.)

     

    Anyway, I'm not sure I answered any question, but the links above do explain the newer

    aspects of security in relationship between devices and Macs; and sharing info between

    them is also an area where one has to be careful. Avoid selling or giving away a device

    or a computer unless you've actually made it ready for resale; per Apple support articles.

     

    Hopefully you'll get adequate replies to the question(s) you pose here.

    Good luck in this matter!

  • by lbeck,Solvedanswer

    lbeck lbeck Feb 15, 2016 8:27 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 15, 2016 8:27 PM in response to K Shaffer

    Thanks K for your quick and comprehensive response.  I was admittedly frustrated with my rant.  My perusal of your returned information gives me a lot to consider.

     

    I'll mark you as a solution and whatever kudos I can provide.

     

    Lee

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Feb 16, 2016 1:13 AM in response to lbeck
    Level 6 (14,409 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 16, 2016 1:13 AM in response to lbeck

    Thank you for the kind reply...