What is the icloud security code. I can’t verify my iPhone on another device

Today I decided to make a review article about the keychain, since the last time our site mentioned it was back in 2013. It was at that moment that it appeared in iOS 7. But now almost 4 years have passed and we are waiting for iOS 11, so it’s time to make up-to-date instructions on Keychain with questions and answers.

What is iCloud Keychain?

iCloud Keychain is a functionality that allows you to securely store secret data (logins, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.) in the system and in the cloud.

The data in the keychain is encrypted with powerful 256-bit AES encryption. Using iCloud technology, data is kept up to date across devices.

Keychain helps not only store data, but also enter this data for the user.

And now simple example which shows Keychain work even for non-technically savvy users.

A user visits a website (for example, Odnoklassniki) in Safari on an iPhone. He has a login and password there. He enters them manually. The system offers to save the data in the Keychain. If the user agrees, the data goes into a special file. The user decides to log into Odnoklassniki on the iPad. It opens the site in Safari. The iOS system takes data from that same special file and fills in the login and password fields. The user just has to click on the Login button. Thus, the user does not need to not only enter a password, but also remember it. A bunch of keys does this for him.

How to set up Keychain Access?

After you update iOS to the latest version, a special assistant will ask you to set up Keychain Access. The setup is also possible if you have just purchased a new device and are trying to activate it under your (possibly new) account.

Settings->YOUR NAME (at the very top) ->iCloud->Keychain Access.

Turn on the iCloud Keychain slider. Follow the system instructions. If this is your first device under this Apple ID account, then Keychain will simply turn on. If the device is not the first, then you need to confirm the inclusion.

Typically you need to enter iCloud Security Code. After this, you need to enter a special code that is sent to your other device, which is linked to your Apple ID (if it is an iPhone, then an SMS is sent to the number linked to your account).

At the same time, a special message appears on the other device asking you to enter your Apple ID password.

Contact details And My details– these two items allow you to specify a contact from the settings that will be used to fill out various forms. That is, you can add yourself to the application Contacts, Enter your email, phone number and other details there. In the future, if a site asks for an email, autofill will do it for you.

Names and passwords– it’s not clear how it works, but judging by the description, it allows you to view and delete passwords in the “Accounts and Passwords” settings (more on this below). The trick is that turning it on and off, I didn’t notice any difference in functionality.

Credit cards– enable saving of embedded maps on websites. In this case, the system will still ask whether to save the card to the Keychain or not.

Saved credit cards(you can log in only with a password or via Touch ID) – here you can view or add cards that are used to pay for purchases on the Internet.

What is iCloud Security Code?

When you first set up Keychain, the system asks you to create an iCloud Security Code (usually a 4-6 digit code). If you skip this step (and you can), the keychain will be stored locally on your device. There is no talk of any synchronization with other devices.

It's best to remember the iCloud security code (or write it down in a safe place). Using it, you can approve Keychain Access on other devices. iCloud Security Code can help you even if you lose all the devices on which Keychain was set up.

If you enter the wrong iCloud security code several times in a row, Keychain Access will be deactivated. It will be possible to restore access only with the help of Apple technical support, but they do not have access to the code, so the most that technical support can do is give you a chance for a few more attempts. If all of them fail, the Keychain will be removed from iCloud.

Using iCloud in practice

We go to the site where we want to register. Let's go to the Registration section. Enter your login and password. The system itself will offer to Save the password in the Keychain.

Then you can go to the site and instead of entering data, click the “Autofill password” link.

Or the system itself fills in the login and password. In any case, the data in the form will be on a yellow background:

If there are several passwords/logins on the site, you can click on the “Passwords” link above the keyboard. Keychain will prompt you to select the desired login. You can also delete the saved password here.

How to view logins and passwords in Keychain Access

On iOS and Mac OS, you can view logins and passwords in Keychain Access.

IN iOS this is done in Settings->Accounts and passwords->Passwords for programs and sites. You can only log in using Touch ID or an Apple ID password.

You need to find the account you need and click on it. In the Password field you can see the clear password, and in the Username you can see the login for the site. Passwords and logins can be changed here.

On Mac OS, viewing your keychain is also not difficult. There is a special application “Bind of Keys”. In it we look for the desired site and click on the line twice.

Check the “Show password” checkbox and the system will ask for a password for the computer administrator account. We enter the password and see the required password.

Each account has unique access settings. As a rule, it is better not to touch these settings:

An experienced user will immediately understand from the screenshot that here you can add an application that can access an object in the Keychain Access.

Questions and answers about the Keychain

What are the requirements for Keychain?

Keychain Access is available starting with iOS 7.0.3 and OS X Mavericks 10.9. The Keychain does not impose any additional requirements on the device.

Is storing data in Keychain secure?

In theory it is absolutely safe. Because the data is encrypted and inaccessible even to Apple (this statement can only be taken on faith).

What data does the Credit Card Keychain store?

Card number, First name, Last name and expiration date. The CVC code on the back of the card is not saved by the Keychain.

Are there alternatives to Keychain?

Advanced users of Apple devices are familiar with the “ iCloud Keychain"(there are other Keychains, for example, Login, System, etc., available on Mac), which greatly simplifies the work with passwords and other personal data on devices running iOS and macOS. In this material we will talk in detail about the process of setting up the service, and also answer frequently asked questions.

In contact with

What is iCloud Keychain and why is it needed?

Keychain Access is a password manager for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Mac computers that stores Safari login credentials, payment card information, and Wi-Fi network information from all approved iOS devices. 7.0.3, OS X Mavericks 10.9 and newer releases of Apple OS.

Besides, in " iCloud Keychain" for Mac also stores data from accounts used in standard applications, such as " Calendar», « Contacts», « Mail" And " Messages" When a user logs into a social network or opens a website on which he is registered, the service automatically adds account data to all associated devices.

Function " is a very convenient tool for owners of multiple Apple devices.

Does Keychain Access work in all countries?

Yes. " A bunch of keys" can be set up and used in any country on any compatible device. However, in some countries the service works without the ability to use " iCloud Security Code"(more details below).

For example, when setting " Keychains" in Russia, the user can (if necessary) protect personal data using “ iCloud Security Code"(setup via SMS), thereby saving all service data on Apple servers(read more about this below).

Note: If you use two-factor authentication, then the device is considered trusted when you sign in - i.e. " iCloud Security Code" not required.

Settings and go to the section Apple ID [username] -> password and safety.

on Mac go to path "System Settings" → iCloud → Account → Safety.

How to set up iCloud Keychain on Mac, iPhone or iPad?

On iPhone or iPad:

After installing a mobile operating system update, Setup Assistant prompts you to configure “ iCloud Keychain" If you haven’t done this right away, don’t worry, you can set up the function at any time convenient for you. For this:

On iOS 10.3 and above, open the " Settings", select your name (at the very top) and enter the iCloud section (on devices running an earlier version of iOS, this section is located along the path: " Settings» → iCloud).

Go to the section " .

Activate the switch . Enter your account password and follow further instructions on the display.

On Mac computers:

Open the Apple menu (), select " System Settings».
Select the iCloud section and turn on the " iCloud Keychain", after which you should enter your Apple ID and password and follow the instructions that appear.

Adding additional devices

If you want to add additional devices, " iCloud Keychain" must be enabled on each of them. When activating a feature on a new device, each device where it is configured will receive a confirmation request.

For example, when you enable Keychain in iPhone on Mac screen using the same Apple ID (iCloud) account, you will see the following message:

Click “Continue”, after which the iCloud settings will open, where you need to enter your Apple ID password and thereby allow the device to use A bunch of keys.

Reverse procedure - turn on A bunch of keys on Mac – the notification arrives on iPhone.

Once confirmed, the information on the new gadget will be updated automatically if the device is online.

Note: With two-factor authentication enabled turns on without receiving confirmation from another device.

To check if two-factor authentication is enabled on your device:

on iPhone or iPad, open the app Settings and go to the section Apple ID [username] → password and safety.
on Mac go to path "System Settings" → iCloud → Account → Safety.

Security code when setting up Keychain. What it is?

Note: If you use two-factor authentication, then " iCloud Security Code" not required.

A security code is a set of six numbers or a combination of numbers and letters used to identify the user and access other features " iCloud Keychain". For example, if you have lost your device, you can use the code to restore the data stored in it. Using " iCloud Security Code" all service data is stored on Apple servers. To receive a security code, you must receive an SMS to a phone number registered in the country where “ officially supported.

Accordingly, if you do not use " iCloud Security Code", then the data from Keychains stored and synced only between approved devices.

We repeat that Security code allows you to activate " iCloud Keychain» without the need to obtain approval from other devices, but must be enabled for this. Just turn on the switch " as described above and enter the password and security code that is automatically displayed on trusted gadgets.

How to view passwords for websites in iCloud Keychain on iPhone or iPad

When iCloud Keychain is activated, the "Autofill" Apple itself enters user credentials into the appropriate fields on websites or applications. However, some sites do not allow automatic data entry. In such cases, you need to copy and paste your username and password manually. This is done as follows:

1. Open the application "Settings";

2. Select "Accounts and Passwords";

3. Select “Passwords for programs and sites” and, if necessary, verify the user using Touch ID or Face ID;

4. Select the appropriate entry from the list or using the search field at the top of the screen "Passwords", enter the name of the application or website for which you need to enter credentials;

5. Touch and hold the username/password option, and then select "Copy";

6. Open the appropriate application or web page, long press the username and password input field, and then select the option "Insert".

7. You can remove credentials using the option "Change" in the upper right corner of the screen "Passwords". In addition, this option can be used to change the credentials for the relevant websites.

How to view logins and passwords for sites in iCloud Keychain on Mac

1. Launch the Safari browser.

2. Open the program settings ( Safari → Settings).

3. Go to the tab Passwords.

4. Enter the Administrator password.

5. Select the required site (you can use the search). Opposite will be the login (Username) and password.

You can add personal information and bank card details to iCloud Keychain at any time using your iPhone or iPad, after which they will be available on all of the user's devices. To do this you need to do the following:

1. Open the application "Settings";

2. Select a section Safari;

3. Select "Autofill";

4. To add personal information, select "My data" and select your contact from the list. To add card details, click "Saved Credit Cards" and then select "Add a credit card".

Can Apple tech support restore the iCloud security code for Keychain?

Try to remember the code well or write it down in a safe place because if you forget it, Apple Support will not be able to help you recover the code. In addition, it must be remembered that the number of incorrect attempts to enter the code is limited, and after exceeding the limit, access to " iCloud Keychain" will be blocked. In this case, you need to contact Apple technical support and after successful identification, the user will be given additional attempts to enter the code. If in this case the incorrect combination is specified, Apple will permanently erase " iCloud Keychain» from their servers (of course, all personal data will be lost).

Is it possible to set up Keychain Access without a security code (without an SMS-enabled phone number)?

Can. Setting a security code when setting up the function is completely optional. But in this case, your data will not be stored on the server, but on the devices themselves. This approach assumes greater user control over their data, but it has a significant drawback - Apple will not be able to provide assistance in recovery " iCloud Keychain».

If suddenly for your country it is possible to configure " iCloud Keychain"via SMS is not available, don't worry, you will still be able to enable the function. To do this, when setting up (instructions for setting up above) the service on iOS devices, do not select the “ Confirm with code" on the menu " Additions":

On Mac computers, go to the " Extra options" and select the item " Do not create security code".

Let us repeat that in this case “ iCloud Keychain" will only be stored on the device, not on Apple's server, and updated only on approved gadgets. Complete the setup by following the instructions that appear on the screen.

28.04.2018

For users of Apple technology, it marked the emergence of another excellent service within iCloud - password synchronization using iCloud Keychain. Apple has done everything possible to make this feature easier to set up and use, but our readers still have a lot of questions about this new product.

What can iCloud Keychain do?

iCloud Keychain offers:

This is why keeping secure access is extremely important, and the two-step verification is precisely designed for it, so it is very important that we enable it as soon as possible. After the data has been recorded, click “Login”. In the left menu, click "Password" and "Security".

If we don't have them, we can skip this step. After these initial checks, we need to start with the configuration. We enter our mobile phone by clicking "Add phone number". A notification will appear on the device screen with a verification code that we must enter online to verify it. In the second step we will show our recovery key. This key should be recorded in a safe place and never lost. In case we have a problem with the two-step verification, it is very necessary for him to gain access to our account again.

synchronization of logins, passwords and data from Safari forms
credit card data synchronization
Wi-Fi password synchronization

Synchronization works on Macs with OS X 10.9, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad with iOS 7.0.3. When you activate Keychain in iCloud, a single cloud storage is created in which ALL your passwords are collected. All of them are simultaneously available from all your devices connected to the same iCloud account.

At this point you will ask us to enter our recovery key. This step is to check if the key is entered correctly and if there are any problems with spelling issues. If we agree, we must check the box to understand these terms and click the Activate two-step verification button. To do this we have to follow the following steps.

We click on the "Password" and "Security" option in the menu on the left and then on the "Deactivate verification" option in two steps, which is located in the lower right corner. You will ask us to submit three security questions, our date of birth and an alternative recovery email. This will be the data necessary to recover the password if we forget it or are blocked for any reason.

Please note that on Macs, iCloud Keychain only works with Safari! For users of Chrome, Firefox or Opera, Apple's new feature will be of little use, because there are no plugins that add support for these browsers and there will not be any. In this case, there are no alternatives to Safari on iOS either.

Initial setup of iCloud Keychain on Mac

Let’s say right away that for residents of Ukraine, Belarus and other CIS countries not listed in this list, activating Keychain Access from a Mac is the only way to properly configure this function.

A pop-up window will ask if we need to disable two-step verification. If we actually click the Deactivate button. Our recommendation is that, where possible, we continue active two-step verification on our devices.

This means that anyone who takes over your account or edits it to change your password can gain access to your personal information. Otherwise, we recommend that you change it to enable two-step verification as soon as possible.

Enter your username and password. If you have any security questions, please answer them. Once you have successfully logged in, go to the Password & Security section in the left pane. The first option would be two-step verification. To begin setup, click Start.

Open your Mac settings, go to the iCloud remote, turn on the “Keychain” checkbox:

The Mac will prompt you to enable a password request for your user account immediately after waking up from sleep mode or removing the screen lock - of course, for additional security purposes. This suggestion can be ignored.

You will then be asked to create a Keychain PIN. By default, this is a four-digit number that you need to remember and enter when connecting each new device to your Keychain:

Now you will see an explanation of what two-step verification is. In the next window you will see additional information explaining what a check is; Please note that if you forget your password, the process of recovering it will be long and tedious.

You will see a “Verify” legend on the side of each device. Select the one you want to check. After a few seconds, you should enter the 4-digit code on your mobile phone. Enter the code into your computer. On the website you will see that your device is now verified. You can repeat the process with all the necessary devices.

But this is not necessary either. Pay attention to the "Advanced" button. It opens several options regarding the PIN code:

The first will allow paranoiacs to set a code of any length using any characters, not just numbers. The second will generate the code automatically. The third will allow you to completely abandon the security code. But how will new devices be confirmed in this case? It's very simple - using your other devices.

You will now be provided with a recovery code, which you need to print and store in a safe place. This code will ask you if you have forgotten your password or when you want to test a new computer, so it is very important that you save this code very well.

When you have copied this number, you must enter it to confirm that it is the same. A window will appear indicating that the process was successful. The advantage is that you no longer have to enter regular passwords every time you restore your system or network settings. Swipe over them to get the Activate button and slide the button to the right.

Once you create or reject a PIN, setup is complete.

The initial setup of Keychain on iOS is similar - go to the “Settings-iCloud” menu and turn on the “Keychain” checkbox, after which you create a PIN. The problem is that you will be forced to enter a mobile phone number, and only Russia is supported from the CIS countries.

What credit card information is stored in iCloud Keychain?

So, enter your password or create one if applicable. Is this the first time you've done this setup on one of your devices? Then create a security code. Security requires this because this way you will control which devices have access to your synced data. You must enter your code twice. If you decide to create a different password, do so using a combination of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters.

Do not create easily accessible codes or passwords. Select the option that suits you, tap it and follow the instructions. Enter your phone number or any other number you have access to to verify your identity. Note: Write down your codes and passwords in a safe place and where you can easily access them if you forget them. Without your codes and passwords you will be completely locked out!

Now let's talk about connecting new devices to iCloud Keychain.

Connecting a new iOS device to iCloud Keychain

Go to the “Settings-iCloud” menu mentioned above and select “Keychain Access”:

Agree to enable the feature:

If you choose not to create a security code, you must approve the configuration on each new device. Warning. This will delete all your data. To configure, activate the “Contacts” and “Names and Passwords” buttons. Activate this last button and you will be redirected to an interface where you can activate or not block by code. Scroll through the menu and activate the buttons you need.

But as soon as you share your account with another person or regularly change your smartphone, the limit of ten registered devices will quickly be reached and you should do your homework to remove the old ones. Scroll down to the My Devices group to view a list of authorized devices.

You will definitely need to enter your iCloud account password:

After this, the Keychain will go into activation standby mode.

As we said, when adding a new device to your iCloud Keychain, you have two alternatives:

Click "Cancel authorization" to remove your old smartphone, tablet or computer. Confirm with “Cancel Authorization”. The list is reduced to actual devices in use, so you can add new phones, tablets, or other devices.

Can't remove your device?

Click the cross line to deauthorize the device. A curious limit that could block a smartphone lover is being reset. On the device until it is lost. If you've set up family sharing, you can also remove devices from your family members. This ensures that you are the only person who can access your account, even if someone knows your password. If you want to connect to a new device for the first time, you must provide two pieces of information: your password and a six-digit verification code that automatically appears on your trusted devices.

enter PIN code
confirm connection from another device

On your iOS device, you will see a “Verify with code” button, clicking on which you can enter your PIN and immediately activate the function:

The backup option is confirmation from another device. As soon as you try to enable iCloud Keychain on one of your devices, all other gadgets connected to the same iCloud account and the same Keychain will receive notifications:

By entering this code, you confirm that your new device is secure. You are only asked for a verification code once for each new device unless you completely disconnect from it, delete its data, or change your password for security reasons. If you access your account in a browser, you can approve your account so you don't have to enter a code every time you connect.

Trusted phone numbers

It allows you to receive a verification code, which you can then use to verify your identity when accessing your account using a new device or browser. When activating two-factor identification, you must provide at least one trusted number.

But this is not just a notification. By clicking on the banner, you will be taken to iCloud settings, where you will be asked to enter your account password as confirmation of consent to adding a new device to your Keychain. After entering the password on any of your other devices, the new gadget is considered finally connected, and password synchronization via iCloud Keychain will begin.

Enable two-factor authentication in settings

However, we advise you to provide other easily accessible numbers. They will allow you to log into your account even if you are temporarily unable to access your own devices.

Enter and confirm your reliable phone number

Enter the phone number you want to use to receive verification codes when you sign in.

Does iCloud Keychain work with third-party apps?

Enter the verification code to verify your phone number and enable two-factor authentication. In this case, this feature is already enabled. If you're already using two-step verification and want to choose a more secure method. If your account cannot benefit from two factor IDs, you can still use the account to protect your information.

Connecting your new Mac to iCloud Keychain

The process is identical to that described in the previous chapter of the review. You go to OS X settings, iCloud remote and turn on Keychain. Enter your iCloud account password.

Information to consider when using two-factor authentication

Once you enable this feature, only those with your password, your devices, or trusted numbers can access your account. To ensure your account is as secure as possible and you don't lose access, follow these steps.

Updating the list of trusted numbers

Protect all devices with a passcode.
Update your trust numbers.
Store trusted devices in a safe place.

To use two-factor authentication, you must provide at least one trusted phone number to receive verification codes.

Entering the PIN code does not require any special explanation:

If you don't want to enter your PIN, your Mac will remain in activation mode:

It’s quite difficult to miss the notification about the need to confirm a new device - in both OS X and iOS it will be visible:

You can change your trusted numbers by following these steps. In the Security section, click Edit. . To add a number, click Add Trust Number and then enter the number. To remove a trusted number, click the icon next to it.

Trusted Device Management

Creating passwords for applications

To do this, click on the "Code" that is not received on the login screen, and then ask for the code to be sent to a trusted number. If you are unable to connect, reset your password, or receive verification codes, follow the instructions. The account recovery option allows you to resolve connection issues with your account while protecting your account from unauthorized access. Depending on the information you provide to verify your identity, it may take several days before you can access your account again.

It is known that Apple devices allow two-step authorization. This security method performs at least two authentication checks - a password and a trusted device - to access an account.

Do I still need to remember security issues?

With two-factor authentication, there is no need to select or remember security concerns. Your identity is verified solely by your password and verification codes sent to your trusted devices and phone numbers. When you enable two-factor authentication, we retain your old security questions for two weeks in our files if you need to set up your account with your previous security settings. After two weeks they are removed.

Two-step, or as it is also called, two-factor authentication (2FA), provides reliable data protection, since its passage requires not only knowledge of the password, but also physical access to one of the keys, in our case it is an iPhone or iPad.

Needless to say, we highly recommend using it on any account you can. Moreover, if a service does not support 2FA, you should think twice before using it if you care about the security of your data.

If two-step verification is enabled on your Apple ID (which you probably should be), then you've most likely encountered a window asking you to confirm that you are the owner of the account. This screen should list some of your Apple devices and at least one verified phone number. These devices act as access keys.

Have you ever wondered what requirements the devices on the list must meet? Or maybe you needed to add or remove a device from this list? In this tutorial we will talk about managing trusted devices for 2FA.

How to add a trusted device

To add a device as one of your authentication keys, you simply need to turn on Find My iPhone on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. As soon as you enable the function, the device will automatically be added to the trusted list. You will then need to confirm adding this device.

Step 1: Log in to iCloud and enable Find My iPhone on the device you want to trust in Settings > iCloud.

Step 2: In Safari, sign in to My Apple ID, go to Password & Security >

Step 4: A four-digit verification code will be sent to this device.

Enter this code in the field that appears in Safari and click Verify device.

Now you can verify that the device is verified as trusted. Now, whenever you need to use two-step authentication to log in to your Apple ID, you can use this device as a key.

How to remove a trusted device

Not surprisingly, devices can also be removed from the trusted list. When you sign out of iCloud or turn off Find My iPhone, your device is no longer trusted, but is still listed as possibly trusted.

Step 1: Turn off Find My iPhone.

Step 2: In Safari, sign in to My Apple ID and go to Password & Security > Add or Remove a Trusted Device.

Confirm deletion.

That's basically it. This makes it easy to add and remove trusted devices for two-step authentication. You will have to work with this list often, especially if you like to constantly log out of accounts and use different devices.

Today, login to many sites requires authorization, so it is quite difficult to remember various logins and passwords. With the release of the iOS 7.0.3 update, Apple proposed using the iCloud cloud service for this, which can save account names, passwords and credit card numbers.

iCloud Keychain can store your website names and passwords on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Mac, protecting them with strong 256-bit AES encryption. At the same time, the data is transparently synchronized between all gadgets, so there is no longer any need to remember it.

How to set up Keychain Access in iOS 7:

Step 1: By default, iCloud Keychain is disabled, so before you can set up password synchronization, you need to activate it in the iOS 7 settings. Go to Settings -> iCloud and scroll down to the Keychain section.

Step 2: Turn the iCloud Keychain switch to On. Your iPhone or iPad will prompt you to use your iOS passcode as a security code. In this case, you can set up iCloud Keychain on all your devices using a secret code from the main gadget. Click Use a password or Create a different code.

Step 3: Enter your iCloud security code.

Step 4: In this step, you need to register a backup phone number. You can use your number or any other number you trust to receive SMS messages when you regain access to iCloud Keychain.

Step 5: Provide your account password to complete iCloud Keychain setup.

Step 6: Now, when you specify an account on websites, Safari will prompt you to save the password in the iDevice memory and in the iCloud Keychain. At the same time, the cloud service will keep the information up-to-date on each device. Passwords will be entered automatically at the right time.

You can view the data saved in iCloud Keychain in the Settings -> Safari -> Passwords and AutoFill -> Saved Passwords menu.

The life of a modern person is closely connected with high technology and electronic gadgets. Each of us uses computers, tablets and smartphones every day, which we not only use for work and entertainment, but also store a large amount of confidential information on them, for example, photos, passwords from various online services and social networks, as well as information about credit maps

However, how safe is it, since passwords are the only means of protection and access to online accounts? And modern security requirements require the user to use a large number of passwords consisting of difficult combinations of letters and numbers, which are quite difficult to remember.

And if owners of electronic devices from most modern manufacturers are forced to struggle with remembering passwords, then owners of phones, tablet PCs and laptops do not have to worry about this, since the manufacturer has developed a modern system for protecting passwords and confidential information with a high level of reliability, which is called Keychain or "Chain of Keys".

general information

Keychain is a kind of manager developed for the iOS operating system and is responsible for storing and accessing passwords. For the first time, this tool appeared in the eighth version of iOS, which appeared on the market in 1998. Since that time, Keychain has been an integral part of Apple's proprietary OS.

On Macintosh laptops and all-in-one computers, this protection system is responsible for storing various types of confidential information, for example, passwords from accounts of various Internet services, Wi-Fi networks, hidden records, as well as from various utilities, devices and encrypted hard drives.

A little history

For the first time, the keychain algorithm was implemented back in the early 90s in the PowerTalk email client, developed by Apple programmers specifically for their operating system. The main task of this service was to control all data coming to the client from various sources. However, the first implementation of the keychain algorithm was not entirely successful because it used encryption of passwords that took on a form that was difficult to remember. Thus, the developers were faced with the task of creating a single password that would provide access to other passwords.

However, this idea was initially rejected due to its complex implementation and was brought to life only after the return of Steve Jobs to the position of CEO, who was not only able to see its innovativeness, but also to implement it at the level of the entire OS, and not in a separate application.

Storage and Access

In the tenth generation of MacOS, a separate area on the hard drive was allocated for the Keychain protection system, which functioned separately from the system partition in which the operating system itself was located. And to work with this system, a special utility was developed, which is included in the set of standard iOS tools. This utility is publicly available and free, and its operating principle is based on special Keychain files, which contain not only encrypted passwords, but also open data.

Locking and Unlocking

According to the standard iOS settings, you can access Keychain files using the same login and password that the user uses to authorize in the system. Therefore, you can start working with them immediately after downloading iOS. If desired, the standard login and password can be changed to a more complex one to increase the level of security. In addition, in the utility settings you can set a blocking interval with a certain frequency, after which the keychain system will prompt you to enter your login and password after this time interval has expired.

iCloud Keychain: Definition

Despite the fact that this tool was implemented in iOS back in the early 90s, Apple publicly announced it only in 2013 when presenting the seventh version of iOS and the tenth release of MacOS. This was a revolutionary solution to increase the level of security for storing personal user data and ensuring access to it from all electronic gadgets.

However, this security service has also undergone significant changes, the main one of which was the transfer of the algorithm to work through a cloud data storage service. Thus, all passwords, credit card information and other personal data are now stored not on the hard drive, but on a dedicated company server, which significantly increases their safety. In addition, data encryption has been transferred to the AES 256-bit standard, which provides access to the cloud to only one user through the Safari Internet browser and some other applications that are adapted for it.

The latest key innovation is the automatic generation of complex passwords when a user registers on any sites and online services, which completely eliminates the need to come up with a password yourself and remember it.

How to work with this technology?

Absolutely any owner of a phone or tablet computer with version seven of iOS or higher installed, or owners of Ultrabooks or Macintosh all-in-one PCs running build 10 of MacOS or higher, as well as those who have completed the initial setup of the service, can start using iCloud Keychain.

Setting up iCloud Keychain on MacOS

So, if you want to increase the level of security for your passwords and other sensitive information on your Ultrabook or Apple All-in-One PC, you need to set up the Keychain service. This is done as follows:

Go to the OS settings.
Expand the iCloud tab.
Start the Keychain Access service.
Enter authorization data.
We indicate the Apple ID.

After completing these steps, the service will be activated.

Adding a credit card to Keychain on MacOS:

Open the Safari browser.
Go to the utility settings.
Go to the Autofill section.
Click on the “Edit” button, which is located next to the “Credit Cards” subsection.
Add a new credit card and indicate its details.

Setting up Keychain on iOS gadgets:

Go to the device settings.
Go to the iCloud section.
Go to the “Keychain” submenu.
We activate or deactivate the Keychain Access service using the slide switch.

After this, all that remains is to enter the current password or set a new one, as well as link other gadgets to the current device that need to be synchronized with it, as well as from which confidential data will be accessed.

Adding a credit card in iOS:

Launch the settings of your smartphone or tablet PC.
Go to the Safari section, then go to the “Passwords and Autofill” submenu.
We indicate the security code.
We go to the section for working with credit cards.
Add a new credit card by clicking on the appropriate button and specifying all the necessary data about it.

Password synchronization

This feature is optional, however, it can significantly increase the security of passwords and other personal information stored in Keychain files when accessed from various gadgets. If you do not want to synchronize data stored on your smartphone, tablet or PC with the cloud, then simply do not set a security code for the service when you enable Keychain. In this case, all information will be stored only on the device’s hard drive.

If you later want to synchronize cloud storage with your HDD, you can do this using the files located in the /Library/Keychains/ directory. However, it is necessary to take into account that every time you change the password on any of the devices, synchronization will have to be configured again.

How to access information stored in the cloud?

Any user can view information and work with documents stored in the iCloud cloud service without any problems, however, to do this, the system will first ask you to authorize using a text message or any other device. If authorization occurs via SMS, a one-time security code will be sent to your phone, which you will need to enter in the appropriate field. As for another electronic gadget, the “Keychain Chain” service must be activated on it.

Problems activating and configuring Keychain Access

The programmers did a very good job creating this technology, as evidenced by its reliability and the complete absence of any flaws or holes in the security system. However, as practice shows, many users encounter various problems when activating, configuring or restoring access to this service, as well as when connecting new gadgets to it.

Very often, when trying to activate a service or gain access to the cloud, the user is faced with the fact that the verification code simply does not arrive.

What to do in such a situation?

The first thing you need to do is check the signal quality of your mobile operator. If no problems are found with the connection, then you need to make sure that the number to which the message with the code should be sent was correctly specified in the system. This can be done in the “Verification Number” section, located in the additional settings of the KeyChain system.

Another common problem is the inability to synchronize Keychain between different gadgets. Deactivating and reactivating the service on all devices using Keychain Access will help you deal with this problem.

In addition, many users who have little experience with Apple products are not always able to access passwords, credit cards and other confidential data stored on the cloud service. To view the information you are interested in, you must perform the following steps:

Go to the gadget settings.
Go to the browser settings section.
Go to the “Passwords” subsection.
Verify your identity using a password or fingerprint.

Next, all you have to do is select any site or online service and look at the password that was specified during registration. If the function of saving passwords in the “Keychain Access” is not enabled in your browser, then to activate it you need to go to the utility settings, go to the “Autofill” subsection and drag the “Names and Passwords” switch to the active position. After this there should be no problems with passwords.

And finally, the last common problem is re-synchronization, in which the gadget constantly gives an error about the security code mismatch. In this case, the device must be sent to a service center for repairs.