Two-factor authentication built right in system prefs

Feb 7, 2015 11:25 GMT  ·  By

When you set up a Google account in OS X today, all you need is your email address and password. If you get them right, you’re connected.

That’s all very convenient, until someone steals your credentials (yes, it happens more often that some of us would like to think) and accesses your account. To prevent this, Apple is instating two-factor authentication (TFA) under Google in Internet Accounts.

The change is coming in OS X 10.10.3, an upcoming update for Yosemite customers which includes not only this minor change but also a brand new Photos app and racially-diverse emojis, among other things.

Also known as two-step verification, the security feature asks you to confirm your login attempt by inputting additional information that has been sent by the vendor on another device, like your phone. It may not sound like much, but TFA really makes a difference if you treasure your security and privacy.

OS X 10.10.3 isn’t expected to hit the wires any time soon, so until it does, be sure to keep your online presence safe using a strong password (i.e. not things like 123456). Currently in its early beta stages, 10.10.3 will be delivered as a free update to all Yosemite users anytime between the next few weeks to the next two months.