Apple improving iTunes account security with stricter requirements
The security prompts began popping up on iOS devices on Wednesday, according to Ars Technica. Users are met with a prompt that states "Security Info Required."
After being shown the message, users are asked to select from a number of security questions and provide personal answers. Users are also prompted to provide a backup e-mail address in case the primary address associated with their Apple ID is compromised.
The changes are meant to curb fraud and phishing attempts that have been used for many years to hijack iTunes accounts. Because credit card information is tied to a user's account, nefarious people will steal and resell accounts, allowing people to buy content like music, movies and applications on someone else's dime.
This week's changes are only the latest in a series of measures by Apple over the years to improve security associated with iTunes accounts. Some of the steps taken include requiring users to verify their account information when they log into new devices, and upgrading passwords to make them more complex with varying characters.
Screens via The Next Web.
Some users have been confused by the new security prompts appearing this week, and have expressed concern on the Apple Support Communities website that the alerts could be bogus phishing attempts. However, the revised measures have been proven to be legitimate, and Apple has admitted they are part of an ongoing effort to bolster security.
34 Comments
..... nefarious people will steal and resell accounts, allowing people to buy content like music, movies and applications on someone else's dime.
Oh, how I hate nefarious people!
Nice, this is much needed security.
Nice, this is much needed security.
Personally, I think they are a little overzealous lately. I get my Apple ID disabled at least once a year due to them being overly vigilant and it's a drag to have to re-set it.
Now I have to remember what I answered to a question I was asked possibly a year or more ago? (the next time they mistakenly disable my account).
Bleh.
How long until they require voiceprint and facial recognition? Seems like the security breaches have increased quite a bit recently.
It's nice that Apple lets you choose the questions. I hate banks and other sites that ask "what's your first pet's name", "what's your mother's maiden name", etc. Then when one of these sites is hacked, they have all the answers and can use them to change passwords on other sites.
I now enter random and different answers to these questions (not the correct answers), and store the answers in a safe, secure place.