Apple enables unique passwords for apps that tap into iCloud

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/09/apple-unique-passwords-third-party-apps/

Do you use third-party apps like Outlook that access Apple's iCloud but don't support two-factor authentication? You'll now be forced to enter a specific password for each one. Following a notorious celebrity hack, Apple updated iCloud with an extra security layer used to protect accounts by sending a four-digit code to your personal device. However, many third-party calendar, contact and email apps that access iCloud don't support two-factor, and could therefore expose your iCloud password -- and all your personal data -- to hackers. Apple said that if you're signed in to one of those apps when the change goes through today, you'll be signed out and forced to generate and enter a new password. To see how, check after the break or click here for more.

This is a reminder that starting tomorrow, app-specific passwords will be required to access your iCloud data using third party apps such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, or other mail, contacts, and calendar apps.

If you are currently signed in to a third party app using your primary Apple ID password, you will be signed out automatically when this change takes effect. You will need to generate an app-specific password and sign in again. To generate an app-specific password:

• Sign in to My Apple ID (https://appleid.apple.com)
• Go to Password & Security
• Click Generate App-Specific Password

Filed under: Internet, Software, Apple

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Source: Apple