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Do you guys use iCloud Keychain?
- Thread starter crellion
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Spoke too soon, last night I was installing the Mac security update and it asked me to activate iCloud Keychain (which I stupidly did). Now all my stuff is in iCloud Keychain - am I screwed now?
I don't know if you're screwed, but you could go into System Preference > iCloud and try unchecking the Keychain box.
Full disclosure...I'm not a tech guy, so bear that in mind!
I don't know if you're screwed, but you could go into System Preference > iCloud and try unchecking the Keychain box.
Full disclosure...I'm not a tech guy, so bear that in mind!
Ok - but does that erase my data from Apple's servers? I hope I didn't unleash Pandora's Box by agreeing to activate iCloud Keychain.
Frankly the MacOS X login screen kinda promoted it heavily when I logged on - and I didn't bother to click on the "Skip This" text on the bottom... So - what now?
Seriously - if I was a less technical - I probably would have followed along not caring...
iCloud Keychain uses 256-bit AES encryption. It is not secured by the 4 digit PIN. That is just used to verify a new device. The encryption key would be linked to your AppleID and password.
(However, on an individual device, it is only as secure as your device's login credentials.)
(However, on an individual device, it is only as secure as your device's login credentials.)
I'm still using the app 1 Password instead. Versions for iPad, iPhone and Mac and is more feature rich then iCloud keychain. I am slowly moving towards actually not knowing any of my passwords.
Personally, I will never use a cloud-based service to store critical passwords.
That said, after reading the iCloud Keychain section in Apple's new security whitepaper, it's obvious that they spent a lot of thought on this. I believe the system is reasonably secure.
That said, after reading the iCloud Keychain section in Apple's new security whitepaper, it's obvious that they spent a lot of thought on this. I believe the system is reasonably secure.
I should have been clearer, it's been a part of Keychain Access on Macs for several years. As far as I know it's not accessible through iOS or iCloud.com
When I enable iCloud Keychain, does it send a text message to the phone number I enter? I don't have a phone...
I'm not the most technical/security expert guy here, but as I see it for my uses:
iCloud keychain suggests/offers you stronger randomized passwords. At the same time, if you Agree to accept it on a given website, it enables the automatic key across ALL your devices (which may be a bad thing if you ever accidentally get your iPod/iPhone stolen).
Hmm…. for low-security websites, for example, ones that I don't buy anything, only minor forums like a game support forum, I have no problem using it. And besides, when I visit a small game support forum once a month, like am I supposed to remember the username and password I made up 2 months ago? No! So I let Keychain remember it and deal with it. In this manner, Keychain is super convenient.
But for websites that are really important to me, like the Apple Online Store or eBay where I purchase things, I will tell Keychain to NOT store any data for that website.
It's on a site to site basis. Just use common sense.
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Not even a Vulcan?
iCloud keychain suggests/offers you stronger randomized passwords. At the same time, if you Agree to accept it on a given website, it enables the automatic key across ALL your devices (which may be a bad thing if you ever accidentally get your iPod/iPhone stolen).
Hmm…. for low-security websites, for example, ones that I don't buy anything, only minor forums like a game support forum, I have no problem using it. And besides, when I visit a small game support forum once a month, like am I supposed to remember the username and password I made up 2 months ago? No! So I let Keychain remember it and deal with it. In this manner, Keychain is super convenient.
But for websites that are really important to me, like the Apple Online Store or eBay where I purchase things, I will tell Keychain to NOT store any data for that website.
It's on a site to site basis. Just use common sense.
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Not even a Vulcan?
I use something way less complicated and non- tech based.
My Brain.
I have around 50 passwords that I can simply rattle right off without having to ask for a re-set or anything.
I have around 10 rarely used that I keep written down in a little book.
The system has so far:
Worked well without technical hitches
Isn't reliant on a server someplace holding my data.
Is probably way safer than the cloud or last pass.
My Brain.
I have around 50 passwords that I can simply rattle right off without having to ask for a re-set or anything.
I have around 10 rarely used that I keep written down in a little book.
The system has so far:
Worked well without technical hitches
Isn't reliant on a server someplace holding my data.
Is probably way safer than the cloud or last pass.
ya, but you loose the book, or forget passwords for are those sites.
Let my also guess, sine the passwords are in your brain, their easy to remember right ?
LP, is for convenience, but giving up a bit of security......... Unfortunately, people can't remember a mix-case complicated password.
I don't know any of my passwords of hand... never needed too, and if you do remember a password so easily, then its either to short, or too memorable.. Either way,, someone else will know too shortly
That's an issue I've faced when for some reason I'm using the school computers, I usually just get out the iPhone and type it out copying off the iPhone
It's the only feature of iCloud I don't use. I'm 100% Apple at home, but it's a Windows 7 world at work, and can't install/use iCloud control panel on my Windows 7 machine. So if I need a password I have to either a) bring my iPad to work every day, b) pray it works with the site I'm trying to access, or c) wait until I get home.
It's a great concept in an all-Apple world, but it would lock me out if I'm outside my normal routine, or have to use a Internet cafe somewhere.
It's a great concept in an all-Apple world, but it would lock me out if I'm outside my normal routine, or have to use a Internet cafe somewhere.