Yahoo! aims to secure accounts with App Passwords

Post causing a mini-panic with its recycled ID programme , Yahoo! is trying hard to show that it is committed to securing user accounts on its service. Yahoo! has announced that it is adding yet another layer of security for users on Android and iOS – App Passwords .

The feature will do exactly what the name suggests – it will let you retain control over your applications even if it’s lost or stolen. This also means that you can keep your phone around nosy relatives and friends and they still won’t be able to access your Yahoo! Mail on the device.

Secure your Yahoo! apps

Essentially, App Passwords will work as temporary passwords that you can enter into your native iOS and Android apps for added protection. It will also let you authorise a device to access Yahoo! apps.

Here’s how the feature works: You can head on to your account settings and turn on sign-in verification to generate a one-time password. You will be able to enter the password in your mobile application. Your device will then be logged in and you won’t have to repeat this step again. However, if you wish to add another device to your Yahoo! account, you will have to go through this step again.

You can then view a page where all your apps and devices will be listed out and revoke access to any one of them right away from one place, especially if you’ve lost your device. Essentially, even if you forget to logout of your session, the person who finds your mobile will still be locked out of your Yahoo! apps.

This seems to be a great move by Yahoo! who’s been facing flak for its lack of security, especially when it comes to the recycled ID programme. Yahoo! started to offer old IDs to new users after “recycling” them for a good few days. Unfortunately, it has emerged that despite the purging of the account, new users are still receiving mails meant for past owners of the account, including vital details like bank account numbers and social security numbers.