Apple has introduced FIDO Certified hardware security keys support for iCloud and Apple ID in the latest iOS and macOS updates. This will help prevent attacks from hackers, snoops, and identity thieves who may try to steal your information with phishing attacks or data leaks.

Hardware security keys are the most secure 2FA protection option and are commonly used by high-profile individuals with sensitive data. If you believe you fall into this category, enabling the hardware security option is the best choice. You can learn more about enabling 2FA on accounts using hardware security keys here.

With the release of iOS 16.3 and macOS 13.2, Apple has provided details on using security keys with Macs, iPhones, and iPads, requiring users to set up at least two keys. This is in line with Apple’s efforts to increase security for its products, following the discovery of the Pegasus spyware in iPhone security breaches.

However, this feature comes with one major drawback: once locked down, you will not be able to access your data without the keys, and even the company will not be able to help you recover access.

While anyone can use hardware security keys, the feature is particularly beneficial for journalists, celebrities, government officials, and other users who believe that their data is critical and can have a significant impact if compromised. These groups of people typically receive more threats and their accounts bear more hacking attempts, making hardware security keys a next-level 2-factor authentication solution for them.