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Apple's iMessage, FaceTime now protected by two-step verification

Apple continues to expand the range of offerings covered by its two-step verification scheme, with security-conscious users now able to count iMessage and FaceTime among those features protected by the service.

Beginning today, those who have opted in to the two-step verification program will be asked to provide a one-time security code the next time they configure iMessage or FaceTime on a device. The change was first noted by The Guardian.

Existing two-step verification users who are already signed into FaceTime or iMessage on their devices do not need to take any additional steps. Two-step verification is automatically enabled, and will be triggered if users log out and log back in or sign in to their Apple ID on another device.

Apple introduced two-step verification as an opt-in feature in 2013. After enrolling and nominating at least one SMS-capable phone number, users will be asked to enter a one-time passcode whenever they attempt to sign in with their Apple ID on a new device.

Apple expanded two-step verification to iCloud.com last year, and has made it available in 59 countries as of Feb. 5.