Q: How does the two step authentication process work if you are not in a cell service zone
IS anyone familiar with how the two step aunthicatuon process works in an iPhone 6, utilizing iOS 9.3.4 operating system, when out of cell service areas? Would one be completely locked out of thier iphone and apple services until they were able to be in a cell service area? Or could it be accessed through a public wifi? Which begs to differ on whether or not it's advantageous to use it when in travel?
iPhone 6, iOS 9.3.4, 2-Step Authentication
Posted on Aug 23, 2016 10:51 AM
2-step verification replaces the security question aspect of your AppleID security. Instead you have a recovery code but your security questions are deleted when you activate the service. With 2-step verification, you will require a verification code to a trusted device anytime you login to your AppleID account, regardless of which device you login from. No one can alter your AppleID without both your login password and either the recovery code, or the temporarily viable (10-15 minutes I think) verification code sent to a trusted device.
WIth 2-factor authentication, you use a code to accept a trusted device once, but once trusted, you can do whatever you wish from that device with nothing more than your AppleID password.
So really, 2-factor authentication is more about restricting use of your devices to only those you trust, while 2-step verification is akin to a dual factor login requirement for your AppleID.
If you setup 2-step verification on your AppleID and use compatible OS X and iOS devices, 2-factor authentication is also in effect with your devices. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Both systems can send the codes over cellular or wifi data connections (they use the notification system build into find my iphone/iPad/Mac through your iCloud account).
Posted on Aug 24, 2016 10:47 AM