iOS 9 Boosts Security with Six-Digit Passcode and Two-Factor Authentication

Apple`s iOS 9 will oblige users to strengthen the passcode that protects devices and improve two-factor authentication by building it directly into the operating system, making it harder for others to gain unauthorized access to Apple IDs, according to the company.

Apple added two-step verification to some types of accounts in March 2013, but users could log in using their Apple ID only and with no second check of identity. iOS 9 users will be able to tap `Don`t Allow` or `Allow` when an Apple ID login is attempted from another device.

iPhone 5S, 6, 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 users will gain access to the enhanced features as soon as iOS 9 debuts.

Apple plans to release iOS 9 in the last quarter of 2015.

iOS 9 also brings “proactive assistance” presenting relevant information without compromising users` privacy and suggesting actions at a particular moment. Before starting typing, iOS 9 automatically suggests apps to launch or people to contact based on usage patterns.

The four-digit passcode system adopted in 2014 in iOS 8 had concerned US law enforcement as Apple users had no real security against cyber attackers able to guess password with the help of the device`s cryptographic coprocessor. Moreover, the press reported that hackers have unearthed a major WiFi vulnerability in iOS 8 that makes iPad, iPhone and iPod touch crash repeatedly.

iOS 8 runs only on 83% of iDevices, according to Apple`s latest press conference, a slow adoption rate allegedly caused by security issues. iOS 9 was announced at The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2015 that takes places June 8-12 in San Francisco.