Apple adds support for Security Keys to sign in to an Apple ID account

Apple has today added support for Security Keys to strengthen Apple ID security, giving users the option to require a physical security key to sign in to their Apple ID account.

With Security Keys, users have the choice to make use of third-party hardware security keys to enhance their Apple ID security beyond two-factor authentication.

Security Keys support, which Apple says is “designed for users who, often due to their public profile, face concerted threats to their online accounts, such as celebrities, journalists, and members of government” requires a hardware security key to sign into an Apple ID, on top of Apple’s standard Apple ID security, preventing advanced attackers from obtaining a user’s second factor in a phishing scam.

Apple’s new Security Keys for Apple ID feature supports both plug-in and NFC security keys, with a new prompt added to all Apple operating systems that requires users to complete the additional authentication step prior to signing into their Apple ID account.