Mac OS X Keychain: How does Keychain Access Work?

Keychain management has been available since Mac OS X Lion. We will show you how this keychain works and what options you have with the keychain and the iCloud keychain.

Use your keychain with Mac OS X Lion

The keychain is a little helper on Mac that automatically memorizes your passwords and usernames and can then type them in for you. Each entry is then a virtual key.

• Every user in OS X receives his own keychain from the system when he logs on.
• You can view and manage all virtual keys in the Keychain Access utility.
• You can also store personal notes such as credit card numbers or the personal identification number (PIN) for a bank account. To do this, select "File" in the keychain administration and then "New secure note".

iCloud keychain for syncing between Mac and iDevice

With the iCloud keychain, your keys are synchronized via iCloud and you no longer have to remember your login details.

• For the iCloud keychain you need an iPhone, an iPad or an iPod with iOS 7 and a Mac with OS X Mavericks.
• The keychain can automatically generate a complex password for new registrations. You do not have to remember this because it is stored in the keychain and is automatically entered on all your devices.
• The keychain can also be stored on the Apple servers. Then you can restore the keychain in case you lose your devices.
• The data is protected on all devices during transmission and in the cloud at any time by professional 256-bit AES encryption.
• On the iDevice you can activate the keychain under »Settings« -> »iCloud« -> »Keychain«.

You can find more information about the iCloud keychain in this practical tip