According to a survey by Norton Symantec, 70 percent of individuals forgot an account password in the previous month. While most passwords can be reset through an email authentication process, it’s clear that password retention is a major challenge. Picking an “easy” password (i.e. “name1234”) in hopes you’ll remember it leaves your account vulnerable. For Mac users, a new app called iCloud Keychain can put an end to the password nightmares by remembering and autofilling your account passwords.
Overview of iCloud Keychain
iCloud Keychain both protects your identity online and stores your personal information so you don’t have to remember all of your account passwords. It integrates with Safari, the native iOS browser, and can also remember your account password for apps such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. You can use Keychain across multiple iOS devices, like your iPad Air, MacBookAir or iPhone. To do so, you have to approve devices.
How to Set up iCloud Keychain
iCloud Keychain requires either iOS 7.0.3 or OS X 10.9 (or later), so you may need to update your operating system before you can use it.
To activate iCloud Keychain on your iPad, open up the Settings menu (the gear icon.) Scroll down, then select iCloud. Slide the switch next to Keychain from Off to On to activate iCloud Keychain. Then, work through the instructions on screen to set up your iCloud Security Code (a 4-digit passcode, which can be the same as your passcode lock) and begin using Keychain.
To begin using iCloud Keychain on your OS X Mavericks 10.9 Mac laptop or desktop, select the Apple icon located at the top left corner of your screen. Scroll down to System Preferences, which opens a separate window. Select iCloud, then click Keychain. At this point, you have the option to set up a password to unlock your screen from sleep mode, which you can ignore if you wish. Enter your Apple ID and password to continue iCloud Keychain setup. Then, work through the instructions on screen to set up your iCloud Security Code and begin using Keychain.
If you want to use Keychain on multiple devices, you’ll need to complete the process on each device. Setting up iCloud Keychain access on a second (or third) device sends a notification to the device or devices that already use iCloud Keychain, asking that you approve the new device. Once you authorize the new device from your other devices, the iCloud Keychain software will update so that all devices are recognized. You can revoke a device’s iCloud Keychain access from the settings menu if you need to do so. This can be useful if you want to share the device with family members.
While there are many steps involved in setting up iCloud Keychain across your Mac or iPad, the app is fairly low maintenance after this initial setup. Keychain will run in the background and will sync invisibly with iCloud, managing your passwords and account information without any hands-on maintenance.
