App/system: Apple ID
Learn: How to set up multi-factor authentication
Skill level: Beginner
Read time: 3 minutes
Do you or your employees use Apple ID for email or for other business purposes? If yes, have you considered the security vulnerabilities this opens up for your business?
Cyber attacks are estimated to cost an average of £4200 per business. From July 2021 to July 2022, 39% of UK businesses identified a cyber attack against them. By far the most common (83%) was phishing attempts, where hackers try to access employee passwords or other log-in information.
Information above is taken from the UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022.
Why is multi-factor authentication important?
Many of us still use only a basic, password based authentication to access email, Google, Microsoft and social media accounts, despite plenty of evidence that passwords are easily and regularly hacked. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) takes moments to set up and makes it much harder for hackers to gain access.
Think of your password as the first ‘layer’ of your security. If you add a second ’layer’ this increases the work required to ‘break-in’ and hack the account. Further, this second layer may involve a fingerprint scan, another device or generating a limited-time code and is therefore much harder to steal or falsify than a password. MFA improves account security and better protects you and your organisation from anyone trying to access information they shouldn’t.
Read on for our guide to walk you through setting up MFA for your Apple ID.
Step by Step: Set up MFA for your Apple ID
You can set up MFA for your Apple ID on either your computer or mobile device. The process differs slightly from one to the other.
Setting up MFA on your computer
The following process applies to OS X El Capital or later.
- Head to the apple menu and select System Preferences
- Find and click iCloud
- Then click Account Details
- Go to the Security tab
- Find Two-Factor Authentication and turn it on
- Follow the onscreen instructions to set up the additional authorisations
Setting up MFA on your mobile device
The following process applies to iOS 10.3 or later
- Go to the Settings app
- Click on your name to open your profile
- Go to Password & Security
- Tap Two-Factor Authentication to turn it on
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the additional authorisations
Continue your cyber security journey
MFA is a critical part of securing your personal and business data, but it’s by no means the only step you need to take.
If you’re concerned about IT security for your business, get in touch with our friendly team to find out more. Call 01732 600 170 or email info@heliocentrix.co.uk.
