1Password for Mac gains 2-factor code generation

1Password-5-for-Mac

After releasing a massive update to its freemium iPhone and iPad password-keeping application back in January, developer AgileBits on Tuesday posted a matching update on the Mac App Store, bringing support for two-factor authentication codes and a bunch of other improvements to its 1Password for Mac utility.

In addition to two-step verification, the app has gained the ability to email and start a FaceTime Audio or Skype call by clicking numbers in the Identities section and given some existing features “a big power-up.”

Two-step verification is an additional layer of security for popular online services and accounts such as those from Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Tumblr, Dropbox and many others.

The system works by requiring you to confirm your username and password when logging into service by entering a one-time code sent via SMS or generated by specialized mobile apps like Google’s free Authenticator app or alternatives like Authy.

Now 1Password for Mac, just as its iPhone and iPad counterpart, can generate these one-time codes. Simply edit your existing service details in 1Password (like Dropbox, for example) to add the new One-Time Password field.

1Password for Mac 5.3 two-step verification

Next, visit your service’s online settings, enable two-step verification and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll be presented with a scannable QR code.

Now drag and drop the barcode from your browser into 1Password’s barcode scanner or place its window over the barcode to scan it, as shown above. Once added, these unique two-step codes can be generated right inside 1Password for Mac, where all your passwords are safely kept anyway, without an Internet connection.

In addition to two-step verification and a bunch of custom fields, this edition also brings out such goodies as custom fields and sections in Secure Notes, better date handling, improved searching and more.

1Password 5.3 for Mac changelog:

Two-steps stronger

  • Time-Based One-Time Passwords for two-step verification are here! Check out http://1pw.ca/TOTPdoc to learn more and get your TOTP on. Bonus: if you own Pro features in 1Password for iOS, your one-time passwords will sync!

Faster communication

  • Start a FaceTime Audio or Skype call. From 1Password. Simply by clicking numbers stored in Identities.
  • Ditto for sending emails from addresses in Software Licenses.

+5 power bonus to customization

  • Custom Fields bonanza.
  • We added even more Custom Field types, including URL, email, address, One-Time Passwords, date, and month/year.
  • Secure Notes are now even more versatile: you can add sections and custom fields.

Better date handling

  • Our developers spent a lot of time fine-tuning 1Password’s date handling so that you can traverse the globe without worrying about your passport’s expiry date. But seriously, we’re really sorry about the date issues. We think we fixed them all, and we have a blog post coming with more information about this issue.

And a better brain

  • Re-designed the Brain for faster, more accurate filling on websites. The heart was just fine, thanks for asking.
  • Improved Credit Card and Identity filling on several sites, including Hilton, Cineplex, Drafthouse, Amazon, and PayPal.
  • The 1Password mini icon has been refined.
  • Improved searching so that you don’t need exact matches for accented characters.
  • Added support for new languages and updated translations.
  • Added wildcard support for ignored URLs in autosave.
  • Many other improvements and fixes based on your feedback.

The update is free to existing users.

You can check out the full details in the official release notes.

1Password for Mac is $49.99 in the Mac App Store.

The iPhone and iPad edition is available on a freemium basis in the App Store. A Pro upgrade with advanced functionality available as a one-time $9.99 In-App Purchase.

A week ago, the iOS edition of 1Password gained the ability to create logins and other items without switching to the main app and other improvements.