macOS Monterey Features Dedicated Password Section in System Preferences, Built-In Authenticator and More

[MacRumors]

macOS Monterey makes several improvements to password management, positioning iCloud Keychain as an ideal password service to replace third-party services like Lastpass and 1Password.

In System Preferences, there's a new "Passwords" section that houses all of your iCloud Keychain logins and passwords so they're easier to get to, edit, and manage. There's a similar Passwords section that's been on iOS for some time now, so now there's one streamlined way to access your passwords across Apple devices.

Prior to now, passwords on Mac were accessible through the Preferences interface in Safari, but the System Preferences option is easier to find. As with the prior version of the feature, Safari will suggest passwords automatically and detect compromised passwords for you.

New in Monterey is an option to import and export passwords, so you can move your logins between iCloud Keychain and other password management apps. iCloud Keychain does not have as many entry fields as some password managers, but it supports username, password, and website data.

There's also a built-in authenticator feature, which is coming to iOS and iPadOS 15 too. For sites and apps that use codes for two-factor authentication, you can store those codes right in iCloud Keychain and have them autofilled when you log in.

Direct authenticator support will allow iPhone and Mac users to choose to use Apple's solution over third-party apps and software like Authy and Google Authenticator.

Other smaller changes include an iCloud Passwords extension for autofilling saved iCloud Passwords in the Edge browser, which is handy for Windows users who need cross platform password access in the browser, plus there's a new iCloud Passwords app included with iCloud for Windows.

The macOS Monterey password changes are live now in the developer beta, with Apple planning to release a public beta in July before the software sees a public launch this fall.

Article Link: macOS Monterey Features Dedicated Password Section in System Preferences, Built-In Authenticator and More

 

[sniffies]

Still missing a couple of important things that 1Password has:

- Option to upload attachments that, for example, contain backup codes

- Generate passwords inside the new System Preferences section

Yeah, yeah, I know, you can do it inside Keychain Access app, but this article is not about Keychain Access app, it’s about the new System Preferences section.

 

[steve333]

What I would really like is for Apple to stop trying to force us to use 2 factor authorization.
If we don't want it, we don't want it. Get that stupid red dot off of System Preferences

 

[HeavenDynamic]

Much needed addition. Going to Safari preferences to see my passwords always felt like a 2010 experience.

 

[spawnofbill]

Does... Does no one know about the Keychain Access app in the Utilities folder? It's been there since 10.5! It's synced to iCloud Keychain since day one.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

I've been using OneSafe for years, and while it has been very useful, every once in a while I have issues with synchronization (duplicated entries).
I've been using iCloud Keychain more and more, specially on the iPad and iPhone, the Passwords section. Very useful, I just wish there's a way to back up this information in case of data corruption.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

What I would really like is for Apple to stop trying to force us to use 2 factor authorization.
If we don't want it, we don't want it. Get that stupid red dot off of System Preferences

2FA can make the difference on a hacking attempt. Some day you will appreciate it.

 

[andreiru]

Long overdue...

 

[1rottenapple]

Still missing a couple of important things that 1Password has:

- option to upload attachments that, for example, contain backup codes
- generate passwords

So it doesn’t help you generate passwords?

I’m thinking if it’s another lawsuit coming apple’s way lol when these companies sue for monopoly.

 

[AdeFowler]

Does... Does no one know about the Keychain Access app in the Utilities folder? It's been there since 10.5! It's synced to iCloud Keychain since day one.

Absolutely. I used to have a little padlock up in my menu bar and use it all the time. It was also a useful repository for secure notes... another reason not to use keychain access.

I must confess, that I’m a long time 1password user, but over the last couple of years I’ve used it less and less. iCloud Keychain is basically covering all my needs.

 

[RedTheReader]

I'm so glad to see them finally address this. The current Keychain Access app is terrible, and most people aren't looking for a full history of authentication information. This looks like it'll be much more readable.

 

[aorr]

Much needed addition. Going to Safari preferences to see my passwords always felt like a 2010 experience.

I still access them through keychain. That’s a really antiquated way to go about it - at least it feels old.

 

[alayal]

Still missing a couple of important things that 1Password has:

- option to upload attachments that, for example, contain backup codes
- generate passwords

Are you 100% sure? Do you mean the iCloud option will not generate the dynamic codes?
I could move from Authy to iCloud but I think I need the 2FA codes...
I would love if the macrumors redactor have done an complete example about this....came on, you just have to create a new account in macrumors forums and enable 2FA...

 

[rjp1]

Password managers are really helpful, but it is a terrible idea to store them on iCloud or any other service.

If there is one thing that you should self host - it is your password db.

I'm a big fan of Strongbox on both macOS and iOS.

 

[A MacBook lover]

Does anyone actually use memoji’s? I was cool when it launched but now seems like a graveyard, yet it remains apples major focus….sigh

 

[WannaGoMac]

Keychain is great, unfortunately it's still only on Apple devices. If they release addons for the major browsers on linux and Windows it will be an option.

 

[Stella]

I doubt it's Multiplatform, or as portable. I.e., it would be difficult to use my personal keychain on my work computer.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Still missing a couple of important things that 1Password has:

- option to upload attachments that, for example, contain backup codes
- generate passwords

Especially app purchase documents.

This is a step in the right direction, though. Apple has neglected this area for a long time.

 

[alayal]

Are you 100% sure? Do you mean the iCloud option will not generate the dynamic codes?
I could move from Authy to iCloud but I think I need the 2FA codes...
I would love if the macrumors redactor have done an complete example about this....came on, you just have to create a new account in macrumors forums and enable 2FA...

I did some research, https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2021/10105/
In minute 6 there is a example of keychain generating dynamic codes

 

[Apple_Robert]

Does... Does no one know about the Keychain Access app in the Utilities folder? It's been there since 10.5! It's synced to iCloud Keychain since day one.

Yes, we know about that. It looks like preferences will be faster for many people, unless one uses keyboard shortcuts with apps like Alfred.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I did some research, https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2021/10105/
In minute 6 there is a example of keychain generating dynamic codes

Thanks for the link. That is a good video.

 

[eatrains]

Keychain is great, unfortunately it's still only on Apple devices. If they release addons for the major browsers on linux and Windows it will be an option.

What? It's been available on Windows Chrome for a while now.

 

[techpr]

Good but a simple update, still no match for 1Password.

 

[zalusky]

I am a 1password fan and share password records with my wife as well as have a lot of secure notes like passports, vax records, and a lot of other stuff. It's more than just passwords we may need in an emergency.

 

[The Cappy]

Does... Does no one know about the Keychain Access app in the Utilities folder? It's been there since 10.5! It's synced to iCloud Keychain since day one.

Even if all they do is surface functionality in Keychain Access, that'll be worthwhile. Too few people do know about it. This looks like it's more than that though.