Apple's Two-Step Apple ID Verification Process Reaches Countries Around The World
by Joe White
May 11, 2013
According to reports from around the globe, Apple's two-step verification process for Apple IDs is now available in countries worldwide.
As a reminder, the process, which launched back in March for the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, provides users with the option of verifying one's Apple ID using two separate codes in order to increase Apple ID security. We explained:
The system will require a user to verify their identity before making changes to an account or processing an iTunes or App Store purchase from a new device. If enabled, the process takes the place of security questions. When two-step verification is enabled, a security code can be sent via SMS or through the Find my iPhone app, if installed. If you ever lose your device or forget your password, a recovery key will also be provided for accessing an account. You can enable two-step verification by logging onto the Apple ID website and then choosing the Password and Security section.Now, however, users have reported two-step verification availability in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal, and Russia, indicating that the security feature is now more or less available worldwide. Last year, Apple suffered embarrassment when journalist Mat Honan's life was disrupted after hackers managed to compromise his iCloud account by contacting Apple tech support, and answering a selection of Honan's security questions. His iDevices and MacBook were then remotely wiped. Ouch. Increased Apple ID security is certainly no bad thing, and it's good to see Apple roll out the above feature internationally. For further industry related news, see: AppleCare To Be Updated This Fall Adding Subscriptions And Improved In-Store Repairs, T-Mobile Launches Impressive iPhone 5 Trade-In Offer For Mother's Day, and Pentagon To Grant Security Approval For Apple's iOS Devices Next Week.
