Quick facts about Apple iCloud KeychainPricing: Free for all Apple users
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If you own an iPhone or any Apple device, you might be curious about the safety of Apple’s iCloud Keychain as a password management tool.
While iCloud Keychain enables you to automatically fill in details — such as Safari and application usernames, passwords and passkeys, credit card info and security codes, and Wi-Fi passwords — on your Apple gadgets, the key question remains: Is this tool sufficiently secure in the current cyber threat landscape?
In this piece, I assessed the Apple iCloud Keychain to assist you in determining its suitability for your password security requirements.
What Exactly is Apple iCloud Keychain?
Apple iCloud Keychain serves as an integrated password management solution on all Apple devices. It securely stores and syncs passwords and credit card details across your iPad, iPhone, and Mac, simplifying access to your online accounts without the need to remember intricate credentials. iCloud Keychain also generates robust, unique passwords for new accounts and provides functions like password auto-fill and password sharing.
SEE: Are Password Managers Secure to Utilize? (TechRepublic)
How Reliable is the iCloud Keychain’s Security?
iCloud Keychain offers a basic level of security for online safety. To gauge its security standards, let’s delve into some of its essential security elements.
Dual-factor authentication
Apple users may be familiar with the additional confirmation code requested when signing in to a new device or browser with their Apple ID. iCloud Keychain’s 2FA enhances security by requiring both your Apple ID password and a verification code sent to a trusted device or phone number before granting access or allowing modifications to your iCloud Keychain records.
AES-256-GCM encryption
Apple employs a dual-layer encryption technique (AES-256-GCM) for iCloud Keychain data. Metadata gets encrypted with a cached key for quicker searches, while sensitive data is shielded by a secret key necessitating Secure Enclave interaction. Keychain items reside in a SQLite database, and access is meticulously managed by the security daemon to ensure only permitted applications can reach your data.
SEE: Top Mac Password Managers (TechRepublic)
Passkey Feature
You can fashion passkeys to replace traditional passwords used for logging into supported applications and websites on your Apple device. These passkeys are encrypted and stored in your iCloud Keychain, where they remain invisible to anyone, even Apple.
Security Recommendations
Another crucial security attribute in iCloud Keychain is the ‘detect leaked passwords’ function. When activated, this feature aids in overseeing your passwords, notifying you of potential compromises and recommending password changes alongside details of the impacted site and reasons for the alteration.
What are the disadvantages of an iCloud Keychain?
The iCloud Keychain stands out decently. For numerous individuals, it seems to be all they require. While adequate, it’s not as feature-rich or developed as specialized password managers. Through usage, I observed that the iCloud Passwords and Keychain don’t execute these tasks on my iPhone:
Challenging to distribute passwords
Distributing passwords stored in iCloud Keychain is restricted to Apple devices within your approved circle. Consequently, you must include individuals in your approved circle before distributing passwords, mandating them to have iCloud Keychain enabled. If you need to share passwords with people outside Apple’s environment, you’ll have to resort to less secure methods like text messages or email, which I view as risky.
Not publicly available
Apple iCloud Keychain is proprietary, indicating it can’t be independently checked by researchers regarding its operations and data storage. Specialized password managers like NordPass, Keeper, and 1Password have all been audited by third-party reviewers. Another problem here is that when an issue like glitches or security concerns appears in the Keychain, only Apple can identify and rectify them, and on most occasions, they are not as prompt as in an open-source setting where anyone can inspect and fix the codes.
SEE: 5 Best Password Managers Built for Teams in 2024 (TechRepublic)
Won’t function on non-Apple gadgets
The Apple Keychain operates solely on Apple devices, and lately on newer versions of Windows. If you possess Android or leverage Linux, you might not be able to synchronize your iCloud Keychain information to your tool. This could lead to needing a separate password management resolution for your non-Apple devices, and the inconvenience might not suit everyone.
Scarce adaptability
iCloud Keychain solely permits you to preserve passwords, passcodes, and credit cards and oversee your passwords for any breaches. Other features, such as attaching files to items and specifying password requirements, are unavailable with the iCloud Keychain. This deficiency of flexibility can be limiting when you have something that requires secure storage yet doesn’t neatly align with Apple’s framework.
Should I embrace Keychain on my iPhone?
If you solely utilize an iPhone alongside other Apple devices and don’t operate in an environment where you may need to disseminate passwords with people using diverse devices, then opting for iCloud Keychain might be optimal. It’s safe and handy. However, if you frequently use various devices and browsers, a specialized password manager would be more suitable.
How to activate iCloud Keychain on iPhone
Please bear in mind that you may be prompted for your Apple ID password or passcode during the process.this method. iCloud Keychain could also necessitate the generation of an iCloud Security Passcode. This is to aid in including additional devices to your account or validating your identity while executing specific iCloud Keychain functions.
What occurs if I erase the iCloud Keychain?
If desired, you have the option to eliminate the iCloud Keychain data from your Apple gadgets. In my personal encounter, upon attempting to log out of iCloud with the Keychain active on my iPhone, I was given the choice to retain or remove my passwords, passkeys, and credit card details.
Upon choosing to retain the information, the specifics remained on my device but did not update or synchronize when logged in with another device.
CHECK: How to Conduct a Cybersecurity Risk Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
I realized that by choosing to eliminate the information prior to signing out, the Keychain data was still stored on the iCloud servers but permanently eliminated from my device. The data was once again synced to my device upon reactivating the iCloud Keychain.
An essential point to consider is that deactivating iCloud Keychain or logging out of iCloud on your gadget implies the forfeiture of access to shared password collections. However, other group members you included before signing out will still possess access to the passwords and passkeys you’ve shared.
Alternative Options to Explore for iCloud Keychain
If you favor experimenting with other password managers, here are the leading alternatives to Apple iCloud Keychain that I examined throughout this evaluation.
| Characteristics | Apple iCloud Keychain | NordPass | 1Password | Keeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biometric login | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passkeys | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum devices | 10 devices | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Free version | Free for all Apple device owners | Yes | Yes, 14-day free trial | Yes |
| VPN service | No | Yes | No | No |
| Compatible operating systems | All native Apple Operating Systems, plus Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android | macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux | Chrome OS, iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, and Linux |
| Password auditing | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing to begin | Free for all Apple device users | $1.59 per month | $2.99 per month | $2.92 per month |
| Check Out NordPass | Check Out 1Password | Check Out Keeper Security |
NordPass: Optimal password manager replacement for iCloud Keychain
NordPass presents numerous security solutions that are not easily accessible on the iCloud Keychain. I appreciate the password manager for its simplified user interface that permits saving information with a single click. Generating passwords, sharing them with colleagues, and ensuring whether your data has been compromised are effortlessly achievable with NordPass. NordPass offers a VPN service and utilizes the XChaCha20 encryption instead of the AES-256 encryption standard utilized by the iCloud Keychain. Despite not being as prevalent, the XChaCha20 encryption does not always demand hardware support for proficient performance, unlike AES-256.
I appreciate that NordPass functions across diverse operating systems and platforms, including macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. On the contrary, iCloud Keychain solely cooperates with Apple devices, Safari browser, and Windows. Another rationale behind selecting NordPass as my preferred substitute for iCloud Keychain is that the password manager provides a no-cost version encompassing all essential features such as unlimited password storage and synchronization among devices. The subscription-based version commences at $1.59 per month if enhanced protection is what you seek.
1Password: Top-notch substitute for iCloud Keychain regarding password distribution
Despite its 14-day duration, the trial period for the Password Manager is an excellent substitute for Apple Keychain when it comes to sharing passwords. Offering various security solutions such as fingerprint, Face ID, Watchtower, and 2FA authentication, the Password Manager provides users with comprehensive security options.
A standout feature of the Password Manager is the Password Secure Sharing Tool (Psst), which enables secure password sharing without compromising safety. Conversely, iCloud Keychain only allows password sharing with individuals added to the Family group, which may not be as secure since it could grant unnecessary access to personal information.
Starting at $2.99 per month, the premium plan for the Password Manager includes features like login autofill and sharing, password generator, and Watchtower for breach monitoring, compatible with all devices.
Guardian: Optimal alternative to iCloud Keychain for corporate password management
Guardian stands out as a user-friendly password manager with an uncomplicated interface. This solution ensures data security through zero-trust corporate password management. With its dark web monitoring service, BreachWatch, Guardian continuously scans the dark web and alerts users to any matching credentials found in the Guardian Vault.
A notable aspect of Guardian is the provision of real-time data on security risks, enabling organization-wide visibility, control, event logging, and reporting. Furthermore, Guardian has undergone an external security audit to guarantee the protection of user data.
Conversely, iCloud Keychain lacks visibility into the password management system and, being a closed-source solution, has not undergone a security evaluation. Additionally, Guardian offers enhanced features and security compared to iCloud Keychain at a competitive price, starting from just $2.92 per month.
Is it worthwhile to invest in a specialized password manager in 2024?
iCloud Keychain functions as an integrated password manager across all Apple devices, including Macs, iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. It boasts a safe environment with biometric verification, 2FA authentication, and AES-256 encryption in its security suite.
Nevertheless, the current online threat landscape demands more robust security measures. Dedicated password managers like NordPass, Guardian, and Password Manager, equipped with extensive password management features, are the recommended choice for 2024. These password managers offer cross-device functionality, dark web monitoring, secure password sharing capabilities, and the ability to connect to multiple devices.
Selecting a dedicated password manager depends on individual password management requirements. For large enterprises, a dedicated password manager provides advanced features and security. However, if basic password protection suffices for Apple devices, iCloud Keychain could still serve as a dependable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple’s iCloud keychain associated with Apple ID?
Absolutely, Apple’s iCloud Keychain is linked to your Apple ID, enabling the storage and synchronization of passwords and other confidential details across your Apple devices.
Is it secure to store passwords on an iPhone?
Although the iPhone iCloud Keychain can securely store passwords, there are more secure and organized password management solutions available than iCloud Keychain, particularly for safeguarding sensitive information.
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