Last week Apple launched its new operation system called Mac OS X Mavericks. In this new operation system available for download for free from the App Store, Apple has implemented tons of new features and little improvements and Among those is one that stands out which is iCloud keychain. iCloud Keychain is also available in Apple’s latest mobile operation system iOS 7.
What is iCloud Keychain?
Keychain is a personal password manager made to make your life just a little easier, with Keychain (a little feature build into iCloud which is Apple’s Cloud service) will keep all you username and passwords for websites (like Facebook, Twitter, linkedin…) and apps (such as Mail, Contacts, Calendar, and Messages), passwords for WIFI and credit card information saved in the Cloud so it can be accessible whenever you need it on all of your iDevices. This means that instead of having to put your login and username over and over again on all your devices, by enabling iCloud Keychain all your login information will automatically be filled in for you.
How secure is iCloud Keychain? Can i trust Apple with my personal information?
Keychain saves your personal information encrypting it using 256-bit AES which is the same type of encryption the US government uses to secure its secret files. The fact that this is encrypted means that only you (the user) which has the user key can decrypt this code and Apple is unable to see what you store on its servers, even if it wanted to see what your password is it would take several thousands of years in order to decrypt it.
How do i enable iCloud Keychain?
Like mentioned previously, iCloud keychain can be enabled both on Mac OSX Mavericks and iOS 7 here is how you can do it on both devices:
iOS 7
- Open Settings
- Navigate to iCloud
- Turn on KeyChain
On Mac OSX Mavericks
- Navigate to the Apple Menu
- System Preferences
- Go to Keychain
- Enter the required information
Will Keychain work with third party apps?
Unfortunately Apple currently only supports its own apps and third party apps which have been integrated into the operation system like Twitter and Facebook, however Apple has demonstrated it is capable of doing so, we might see this feature being added in a future release of iOS 7. I guess you’ll just have to remember your passwords for now.
