Why You Should Embrace iOS 15's Built-in MFA GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Internet & Security
Why You Should Embrace iOS 15's Built-in MFA
Apple having more control creates a more secure platform
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 15, 2021 04:57PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Key Takeaways
A built-in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) system is more accessible to iOS users who aren’t aware of or interested in downloading third-party authenticator apps.Fewer parties controlling security means fewer chances for a system to be compromised and an easier time addressing problems.Third-party apps can still create weaknesses, either intentionally or by failing to properly safeguard data. sarayut / Getty Images Apple has announced built-in multi-factor authentication for iOS 15, which will greatly improve the protection of your personal data according to cyber security experts. iOS users who want to make use of multi-factor authentication currently have to download third-party authenticator apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator. By providing a built-in system, Apple is making the setup process more accessible, thus encouraging a larger number of people to make use of it. “To have a more centralized system rather than a scattered system will change the game.” said Miranda Yan, founder of VinPit, in an email interview with Lifewire. “Though Apple is reputed for its privacy and safe handling of user data, [the] new iOS 15 will take that [to] a level above.” Too Many Cooks
MFA, or two-factor authentication (2FA), requires you to provide more than one form of verification in order to access your accounts, like social media and email. Having to provide added identification—such as entering in a single-use numerical code sent via text message—makes taking over personal accounts more difficult for potential bad guys. Authenticator apps function in a similar way. These apps generate a random six-digit code linked to various accounts that have MFA enabled. Using them is a matter of opening an app to view the code, then entering that code when prompted while logging into the connected account. If a system’s security relies on too many separate entities to monitor and control it, more opportunities for exploitation can arise. Leaving everything up to a single company (in this case, Apple) creates a much more stable environment. Every element of the system can then have the same sets of guidelines and there won’t be any need to “translate” information between platforms. If something goes wrong, the people who know and operate the entire system will be the ones trying to fix it, rather than a third party. d3sign / Getty Images According to Sakinah Tanzil, cybersecurity career coach and author of Breaking the Cyber Code, the new iOS 15 built-in MFA “...gives [Apple] the ability to provide basic security services such as maintaining integrity of computing processes, controlling access to system resources and data, and providing consistent and predictable computing services.” Every time an app deals with user data, there’s a possibility that someone could steal that data. The more that data is shared and the greater the number of parties involved, the greater the chance of being compromised. If data does get compromised, it’s easier for a single entity to discover and address the problem rather than several trying to coordinate. “The introduction of the MFA/2FA feature in the new iOS 15 will help improve the security of iPhone devices by eliminating a third-party authenticating app,” said Harriet Chan, the co-founder of CocoFinder. “...It means that your data is not at the risk of mishandling in any third-party app that may expose you to several security risks and data privacy breaches.” Nothing is Perfect
Of course, no security system is perfect, and while the addition of a built-in MFA is a definite improvement for iOS 15, users will still need to be vigilant. With a not-insignificant number of apps scamming App Store users out of millions of cumulative dollars, it’s easy to see why. boonchai wedmakawand / Getty Images “Since users will be able to use MFA security features without accessing third-party apps, this puts less pressure on app developers to do their part in safeguarding applications with cybersecurity features,” Phil Crippen, the CEO of John Adams IT, said in an email interview. “As of 2021, it’s still fairly common for a hacker to extract user data from an app without much effort,” he said. This is a similar issue to the one posed by the App Store’s strict admittance guidelines, which can provide you with a false sense of security. By dropping your guard, you can open yourself up to downloading fake apps that claim to be official, manipulative apps with boosted ratings from fake reviews, and more. The same applies to feeling too comfortable and secure with iOS 15. Yes, it has improved security features, but it’s not invincible. Experts agree that you still need to be aware of—and use—MFA when available. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How Meta's New VR Headset Could Read Your Face and Bring Privacy Risks How to Run a Google Security Checkup The History of iOS, from Version 1.0 to 16.0 iOS 15: Release Date, Features, and Supported Devices How to Use Two-Factor Authentication in iOS 15 Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? How to Set Up and Use Microsoft 365 MFA How to Use Sign In With Apple The 4 Best Slack Security Tips to Keep Your Team Chats Safe 8 Tips on Basic Computer Safety The 5 Best Secure Email Services for 2022 How to Use the Microsoft Authenticator App How to Turn on Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook The 10 Best Face Recognition Apps for Android in 2022 What Is Duo Mobile for Android? How to Set up Google Authenticator Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies