Apple users get additional security for iMessage, FaceTime accounts

Apple users now have a two-step authentication method for their iMessage or FaceTime accounts to provide users with tighter security, DNA reported.

The iPhone maker, in 2014, updated its desktop operating system, to allow users who owned iPad, Mac and iPhone devices, to access their iMessages and video calls across all three devices.

Apple was now moving to ensure its users' accounts would not be hacked and that their personal conversations remained private. The new feature would be optional.

If it is activated, along with users' Apple ID and password, a security code is sent via text message to a registered phone number to allow users to access their devices.

Users thus get an extra layer of security to ensure that others do not get access to their iMessage or FaceTime accounts, AFP added.

Since the updation of its desktop operating system in 2014, users who owned a Mac and an iPhone or iPad had been able to access their iMessages or make video calls across all of their devices, seamlessly.

Now Apple was taking steps to ensure that  hackers would not be able to hijack users; FaceTime or iMessage account by logging into another device and pretending to be someone else.

Although the new feature was optional, on activation, it would mean that even if another person had successfully obtained users' Apple ID and password, they would also need a randomly generated PIN number from an existing device in order to access either feature on a new iPhone, iPad or Mac.