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Apple now sending email notifications when users sign in to iCloud.com

Apple is now sending emails to users when they log in to iCloud.com. This is part of Apple’s latest security upgrades to iCloud, which Tim Cook announced late last week. In the interview, Cook said Apple planned to launch the feature within two weeks, but obviously it has been deployed much sooner. The notification is supposed to act as a warning for users, to detect account infiltrations as early as possible. Supposedly, these emails will only be sent once, the first time an account logs in to a particular device, so it shouldn’t spam your inbox with login notifications.

The change comes in the wake of the celebrity photo leak scandal. Similar notifications will be sent for iCloud restores and password changes, once the system is fully rolled out.

With iOS 8, Apple will also dramatically improve account security by locking iOS devices with two-factor authentication as well as desktop. Two-factor authentication remains the best way to eliminate the ‘hacking’ experienced by the targeted celebrities last week.

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Comments

  1. imacaddict - 10 years ago

    Force people to sign up for two step auth then require it on unrecognized devices. Shouldn’t that be sufficient?

    • Right? I’m thinking an email is a little too late if my account has been hacked. Doesn’t the hacker get the verification email in my hacked mailbox? I would think a text to my 2nd step auth would be a better idea. Maybe I’m missing something.

  2. Wouldn’t the intruder who logged into iCloud with a stolen password just immediately delete the email sent by Apple? It is, however, a step in the right direction. Looking forward to more security soon.

    • herb02135go - 10 years ago

      It was incongruent for Apple to issue the statement and then make this change.
      A poorly executed communications strategy.

    • rlowhit - 10 years ago

      Thats only if you listed the email account to be the same as your icloud. If you used an alternate email the hacker may possibly not know the password to the other email account.

  3. rlowhit - 10 years ago

    Problem with two factor authentication is only people working in high security are willing to go through the inconvenience. People want high security with simplicity which is mutually exclusive.

    • I agree, It’s one or the other.

      Fast and convenient but more easily hacked or, Slower and less convenient but much harder to hack.

      It’s like wanting a big powerful petrol V8, but you also want good fuel efficiency. You get one or the other. There’s no middle ground.

      • imacaddict - 10 years ago

        Two step authentication would only be used on an unrecognized device therefore the small inconvenience I’m sure would be welcomed by all users.

      • Didn’t think of that. That would be ok, I suppose Touch ID/pass code on your device to unlock and your single iTunes password would be fine for day to day use. Only bringing the two step authentication to an unrecognised device wouldn’t be all too bad. It’s already incredibly quick and simple to set up a new iPhone/iPad adding that one extra level of security wouldn’t make it that much longer. Plus using the second authentication method once in a while would make it harder for people to track. As how often does the average user activate a new device. I’m a fan boy and even I don’t do it more than twice a year. (New iPhone and new ipad)

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.