Mar 19
Just 24 hours after the world learned about the dangerously convincing Google Docs phishing scam
     |
Sep 12
Making appointments and purchases online is no longer a novelty, but rather, it has proven to be the norm for many of us. The same applies too to those who want to schedule Genius Bar appointments using Apple’s online support webpage, but a tiny change in the policy has required users to now sign in using their valid Apple ID before they are able to go ahead and schedule a Genius Bar appointment.
What you see above is pretty much the same screen that will greet your eyes whenever you intend to schedule a Genius Bar appointment using Apple’s online reservations system. The “Open Sesame!” procedure here would require you to key in your valid Apple ID before any progress is made. While this new rule was reported by TechCrunch yesterday, it remains to be seen just when this particular policy change first occurred. Apple apparently changed the appointment policy so that they are able to gain higher levels of control over support appointments, payments included. Not only that, with customer information being connected to an Apple ID, various relevant information such as outstanding support tickets can be accessed by the Genius Bar staff before a customer arrives, helping streamline the process for everyone.
Apple IDs Required To Schedule Genius Bar Appointments Online original content from Ubergizmo. 
| |
Mar 21
Apple says that it regards its user’s security very highly. They’ve delivered yet again on that statement by rolling out two step verification service today for iCloud and Apple ID users. The service allows users to configure a trusted device and use an extra security code, hence providing greater security for their accounts. Right now the two step verification service is available in U.S., U.K, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. A trusted device is one that the user has control over, as it will receive 4 digit verification codes either through SMS or Find My iPhone notifications so that the user’s identity can be verified.
When the user has to manage their iCloud or Apple ID from a new device, they’ll need to enter their password as well as the 4 digit verification code to gain access. Access to their account will be denied if both of these requirements are not fulfilled. User’s will also receive a 14 digit recovery key that they’re to print and keep safe, just in case they forget their password or no longer have access to their devices. Apple’s phone support no longer has the ability to reset user accounts. There’s no compulsion, user’s can opt out of two step verification at any time they want. Though that probably won’t be a good idea.
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Apple Not Using Samsung For iPad 5 And iPad Mini 2 [Rumor], American Airlines Shows Off Its iPad Equipped Planes, 
Aug 07
Amazon, Apple stop taking key account changes over the phone after identity breach
Posted in: Today's Chili 
By now, you may have heard the story of the identity ‘hack’ perpetrated against Wired journalist Mat Honan. Using easily obtained data, an anonymous duo bluffed its way into changing his Amazon account, then his Apple iCloud account, then his Google account and ultimately the real target, Twitter. Both Amazon and Apple were docked for how easy it was to modify an account over the phone — and, in close succession, have both put at least a momentary lockdown on the changes that led to Honan losing much of his digital presence and some irreplaceable photos. His own publication has reportedly confirmed a policy change at Amazon that prevents over-the-phone account changes. Apple hasn’t been as direct about what’s going on, but Wired believes there’s been a 24-hour hold on phone-based Apple ID password resets while the company marshals its resources and decides how much extra strictness is required.
Neither company has said much about the issue. Amazon has been silent, while Apple claims that some of its existing procedures weren’t followed properly, regardless of any rules it might need to mend. However the companies address the problem, this is one of those moments where the lesson learned is more important than the outcome. Folks: if your accounts and your personal data matter to you, use truly secure passwords and back up your content. While Honan hints that he may have put at least some of the pieces back together, not everyone gets that second chance.
Filed under: Internet
Amazon, Apple stop taking key account changes over the phone after identity breach originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Wired (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
Who's in charge here?
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.