HT204152: Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID

Learn about Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID
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Q: 2 Step Verification

If I do the 2 step verification it will protect my iTunes account but will it protect access to my iPad and iPhone so I can add more safety if I want to use my banking etc on my devices since I cannot have Norton? I am confused what advantage the 2 Step gives.

iPad Air, iOS 9.2

Posted on May 27, 2016 9:20 AM

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Q: 2 Step Verification

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  • by elcpu,

    elcpu elcpu May 27, 2016 12:03 PM in response to birds7212
    Level 6 (15,941 points)
    Photos for Mac
    May 27, 2016 12:03 PM in response to birds7212

    This article may help

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

     

    No need to worry about your iPhone if you are using Cellular/Mobile or your own secure network at home. On a public open network like a coffee shop, as long as the app uses a secure connection (https) you are likely safe but a VPN would make it even safer. Personally I tend to avoid using banking or financial apps while on a public network and I have never had a problem.

  • by sberman,

    sberman sberman May 27, 2016 3:20 PM in response to birds7212
    Level 8 (39,090 points)
    May 27, 2016 3:20 PM in response to birds7212

    As the article you attached states, two-step verification makes your Apple ID more secure.  It really does not affect how secure your devices are.  Often, in those situations where you are asked to supply your Apple ID and password (such as when logging on to iCloud or logging on to the Apple Support Community), two-step verification will require an extra step to ensure your login is authentic and valid.

  • by Michael Black,

    Michael Black Michael Black May 27, 2016 4:22 PM in response to birds7212
    Level 7 (24,146 points)
    May 27, 2016 4:22 PM in response to birds7212

    For accounts like banking or finances, first check if the company has an app. Generally, using banking apps is more secure than web sites. And also see if your bank itself offers two-step verification for your accounts. Bank of America, for example, offers this.  Other accounts may or may not offer two step verification services (Google does, for example, to protect your google accounts).

     

    Apple's 2-step verification system is designed to protect your AppleID, and thus all accounts linked to that AppleID (iTunes, iCloud, iMessage, etc). It does nothing specifically to protect your mobile devices.  With 2-step verification, just to login to your AppleID at the web account management site, you will require both your password and a numeric token received on a trusted device to edit your AppleID information (email, phone number, trusted devices, contact info, payment info, etc). The token is also only valid for 10 minutes.  It basically means your AppleID can no longer be hacked by someone knowing just your password.