iCloud data gets 2-step verification, new app-specifc passwords


Starting today, in addition to protecting your Apple ID account information, two-step verification also protects all of the data you store and keep up to date with iCloud. For more information, read the Two-Step Verification FAQ.

Also:
If you use iCloud with any third party apps, such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, or BusyCal, you can generate app-specific passwords that allow you to sign in securely, even if the app you're using doesn't support two-step verification. Using an app-specific password also ensures that your primary Apple ID password isn't collected or stored by any third party apps you might use. Starting on October 1, 2014, app-specific passwords will be required to sign in to iCloud using any third party apps.

Obviously this is in response to the celebrity photo thing. Before two-step verification protected your account, but now Apple is wisely extending the option to your iCloud data. Also the added third party support is interesting. The system will support up to 25 apps.