Multi-Factor Authentication

Yesterday, after writing about the pain of added security when dealing with baking websites, I upgraded my Mac to High Sierra. When the upgrade was finished, my Mac asked me to enter the authentication code sent to another Mac machine I own. Fortunately, I had my another machine nearby, so I entered the code. Then, it asked me what the password was to unlock the other machine. That sounded strange to me, but my Apple keychain would have that password. Then, the final hurdle was to change my password since it was the same as my iCould password – and Apple doesn’t allow that anymore. Wow. Apple must think I’m storing nuclear launch codes on my laptop. Then, I went downstairs to run some updates on my wife’s Mac. Not an upgrade to High Sierra, but just updating Safari, iTunes, etc. When I clicked the install button, it asked for my iTunes credentials, then asked for a code sent to another machine. This time, I didn’t have another machine nearby. The other option was to send a code to my phone – which I also did not have near me. So, that upgrade did not happen. It is frustrating to me that I increasingly need my phone to log into a website or perform other online functions. Even more frustrating, is it really necessary for me to jump through so many security hoops just to upgrade my computer?

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