Do you use Facebook to connect to apps on your iPhone? Many people do this because it is a simple and convenient way to log in without having to create new usernames and passwords.
In theory, this should be safer, but when a data breach occurs, you can give attackers access to all the other accounts you use Facebook to log in to.
In addition, the option to use Facebook to connect to Apple devices is not always available to users. Many people have completely left Facebook, while others have lost confidence in the social network.
But since last year, when iOS 13 was introduced, there is a new way for Apple users to sign in to apps without having to create multiple new accounts and passwords: sign in with Apple.
Until now, the possibility of doing so has been limited to certain applications. No more – as part of the updated App Store guidelines released last week, Apple has made it mandatory to log in to Apple on all apps that use third-party or social login services such as Google login, login with Twitter and Facebook connection. The deadline for apps to include functionality is April 30.
What is connection with Apple and how to use it?
A new feature of iOS 13 that is more secure and private, connecting to Apple is described as “a quick, easy and more private way to connect to applications and websites using the Apple ID you already have”.
It’s simple to use: apps or websites that use the functionality include a clear Apple sign-in button, just like Apple Pay. This means that you can both configure and log in to the app or site using your Apple ID.
Once you have pressed the Connect with Apple button, you will be asked to authenticate, either with your iPhone password or with biometric data such as Face ID and Touch ID.
Another great thing about connecting with Apple is that you don’t have to enter your email address if you don’t want to. If you choose the Hide my email option, Apple will create a random email for you and always forward all app related messages to your personal email.
The functionality is also available on other platforms such as Windows and Android, if the developer has integrated it into his application or service.
In addition, Apple promises: “Connect with Apple will not follow you or profile you when you use your favorite apps and websites, and Apple only keeps the information necessary to ensure that you can connect and manage your account.”
Why should I use Connect with Apple, and why is it better than Facebook or Google?
Security and privacy are becoming more and more important to all users, and that’s why Apple has included this feature alongside many other updates in iOS 13.
This can be easy and convenient, but there are costs associated with using certain services, such as Facebook, to connect to services. As Wired points out in an excellent article on how Facebook follows you online:
“The reach of Facebook also goes far beyond Facebook itself. It has partnerships with a variety of marketing companies and ad networks so that activities on other sites, including, but not limited to, connecting to a third-party service with your Facebook account, can be combined with your Facebook profile. “
Apple wants to combine security and convenience – one of the reasons why it joined the FIDO Alliance last month to reduce password dependence and increase the use of two-factor authentication, including security keys.
Ease of connecting with Apple focuses on the rare combination of security and convenience, says Jake Moore, cybersecurity specialist at ESET. In addition, he says that this decision is a step forward for confidentiality.
“We often see large companies offering convenience, but in exchange for personal information or tracking data. It seems to me that Apple takes the opposite position from its competitors Google and Facebook which offer similar services but for a given price. “
Security researcher Sean Wright agrees, saying connecting to Apple can help keep people safe. “As we have seen over and over again, weak and reused passwords remain a big problem today. One possible solution to combat this problem is single sign-on. [such as Sign in with Apple]. This means that you only have one password or password to remember to access all of your sites. “
Logging in with Apple is certainly a useful security tool and I encourage you to use it, while ensuring a solid Apple passcode and two-factor authentication when possible.