A recent study found that the average person has 70 to 80 passwords. So, it's no wonder people use "password" as their password. Many others reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
Unfortunately, those practices put you at risk of getting hacked. Hacking is common; in 2019, 40% of folks in the US said they had their personal online data compromised. Almost half of them lost money as a result.
Fortunately, if you're an Apple user, you can stay on top of all your passwords while also protecting them. The trick is to learn how to use iCloud Keychain.
Don't worry, though, as this nifty Apple technology is easy to use. We'll cover all the basics you need to know about it in this guide, so be sure to read on.
What Is iCloud Keychain?
iCloud Keychain is a personal password manager built into all iOS and macOS devices. It stores and protects sensitive data and log-in credentials across all your devices. It also syncs biometric information with all your registered Apple products.
In layman's terms, that means iCloud Keychain remembers important stuff on your behalf. That includes your account usernames, passwords, WiFi connections, and credit card information. From there, iCloud Keychain safeguards the data using end-to-end encryption technology.
Why Use iCloud Keychain?
Convenience and security are the biggest benefits of iCloud Keychain. Since it recalls things for you, you don't have to memorize dozens of passwords. In turn, you don't have to worry about account lockouts if you forget your passwords.
More than that, iCloud Keychain gives you extra security against cyber threats. When you store data in it, the software uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure the information. As a result, even the folks at Apple can't read the encrypted data.
Do note that close to 2,000 new Mac malware get created each day. Without adequate protection, your sensitive data can end up in the hands of thieves.
How to Activate iCloud Keychain
To start using iCloud Keychain, you first need to enable your iCloud account on your Apple device. If you're a first-time Apple user and have a brand new device, you need to create an iCloud account. You can do both by going to your iPhone or iPad settings or Systems Preferences in Mac.
Once you've synced your iCloud account with your iPhone or iPad, click your name. Next, scroll down the screen until you see Keychain, an icon with a symbol of a key. Tap that and toggle the switch to the green ON position.
If you're using Mac, hit the Apple ID icon on the Systems Preferences menu. Then, look for Keychain, which in Macs has a logo with three keys in it. Place a check on the box beside it to activate its iCloud Keychain.
The Top Ways on How to Use iCloud Keychain
Once you've activated iCloud Keychain, you can now use it to autofill log-in info. You can also use it as a nifty guide to creating strong passwords. Moreover, as a password manager, it allows you to quickly lookup stored passwords later on.
1. Autofill Sign-In Information
Activating iCloud Keychain unlocks your Apple device's AutoFill feature. You can enable it on your iOS device by going to the Settings menu of your iPhone or iPad. From there, tap Passwords and then AutoFill Passwords, and then toggle the switch to turn it on.
The next time you need to log in to an app or website on your iOS device, you should get an Apple ID prompt. You can get past this using your stored biometrics.
You can also use AutoFill on your Mac's Safari browser for all your favorite websites. As with iOS devices, you can get past the Apple ID Prompt using your biometrics or Mac password.
2. Generate Strong Passwords
When you activate iCloud Keychain, it can create strong passwords for you. This works on new apps you download and websites you need to create an account with. Your device will recommend a strong password that you can use when you fill out the new password section.
If you allow your device to make the password for you, you can then have iCloud Keychain store it after. So, the next time you need to log in to that website or app, iCloud Keychain will fill in the info on your behalf.
3. Look Up Saved Passwords
The password storage feature of iCloud Keychain is also useful if you need to set up a non-Apple device. Suppose you have a new Android device you want to connect to your WiFi, but you can't remember the WiFi password. In this case, you can launch the Keychain Access app to see all saved items in your iCloud Keychain.
The fastest way to open Keychain Access is via Spotlight; just hit Command and Spacebar. Type in Keychain Access and press enter. You can also check out this guide on how to see saved WiFi password information via iCloud Keychain.
4. Find Out if You Have Risky or Compromised Passwords
iCloud Keychain can also monitor your passwords to see if any of them are at risk. It even provides reasons why they may be easy to crack, such as if the password has a common word in it. Moreover, it can inform you if any of your passwords are part of known data breaches.
To use this nifty feature, head over to your iOS device's Settings, then Passwords. Select the Security Recommendations tab and tap Detect Compromised Passwords. Go through the list of password recommendations to make the necessary changes.
If you're on a Mac, launch Safari, select Safari's Preferences, and click the Passwords tab. A yellow alert icon to the right of a website indicates a security recommendation. Click that to learn more, and be sure you follow the advice it contains.
5. Key Things under Lock and Chain with iCloud Keychain
There you have it, your ultimate guide on how to use iCloud Keychain to the best of its abilities. As you can see, it's a handy tool that memorizes things, so you don't have to. What's more, it helps keep your device and data secure, which is all the more reason to start using it.
Conclusion
Ready for even more tech news and guides like this? Stick around then so that you can browse and read our other educational posts!
