Apple ID and iCloud
Sync your data in safety
Given that it houses your notes, photos, reminders and much more, iCloud is unsurprisingly pretty secure. Between your Apple ID, iCloud Keychain and Apple’s encryption methods, your files are kept safe and sound in the cloud.
One simple way to keep your iCloud account secure is to set up two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to ensure that someone can’t gain access to your account if they have your password — they also need a code sent to your trusted devices. We’ve outlined how to set up 2FA on the page opposite.
Bear in mind that you should set up 2FA for every Apple ID you have. If you signed in to iTunes on an old Windows PC years ago, then bought a Mac and set up a new Apple ID at a later date, you’ll probably now have two Apple IDs, and so should set up 2FA for both of them.
Limiting access by using 2FA is not the only way your iCloud data is kept safe from threats. There’s also iCloud Keychain, Apple’s built-in password manager for your Safari usernames and passwords, credit card information and Wi-Fi network info. It can also sync your account information for a range of Apple services like Mail and Messages, plus third-party websites, to all your Apple devices.
All that data is encrypted by Apple, both on your devices and in transit, to ensure it cannot be read by unscrupulous actors. Because these features are integrated into Apple’s systems, they’re free and easy to use.