Apple will alert users to passwords that may have been leaked on the web as part of an update to its iCloud Keychain service in iOS 14, enhancing users’ account security.
The iCloud Keychain feature stores and syncs passwords from third-party websites and apps via iCloud to allow one-touch log-in on your next visit.
It’s similar to third-party tools like LastPass and Keeper but is baked directly into the iOS and macOS ecosystems.
In Apple’s upcoming iOS 14 update, the company will now offer Security Recommendations, where at-risk passwords will be highlighted. Apple will alert users when they’re using a password that’s easy to guess or those that may have been compromised via third parties.
The Keychain pane in the Settings menu will now offer information on what the problem with each password is, for example, whether a stronger password is needed or whether a password has been leaked onto the internet and is available to view through a site like HIBP.
Apple says that it’ll alert users to passwords that are particularly common, which are easy to guess, and that include common patterns and sequences such as 123 and ABC.
Speaking of the new update, Apple says: “Safari securely monitors your saved passwords, automatically keeping an eye out for passwords that may have been involved in a data breach. To do this, Safari uses strong cryptographic techniques to regularly check derivations of your passwords against a list of breached passwords in a secure and private way that doesn’t reveal your password information — even to Apple.
“If Safari discovers a breach, it can help you upgrade to Sign in with Apple when available, or automatically generate a new secure password.”
Alongside improvements to the system, Apple also confirmed an open-source project with its developers to support strong passwords that are compatible with popular sites.
The firm is also adding Touch ID and Face ID support via Safari, eliminating the need for passwords.
Are you looking forward to these improvements? Let us know what you think on social media and check back soon for more news on iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and macOS Big Sur, every day.