iOS

LAContext lifetime and reauthentication

Protecting data across devices, extensions, notifications and account changes.

iOS data and lifecycle1 min readEditorial methods

The lifetime of local authentication is a security and usability choice. An old success result should not grant unlimited authority.

Evaluation approach

Define which operations require fresh verification. Reassess after backgrounding, account changes and sensitive-setting updates.

Application example

Returning to a document list may use an existing session while exporting requires reauthentication. Make the approved action clear.

Limits and considerations

Biometric success does not remove server session-expiry or authorization checks.

How long is approval valid?

Consider action type and content as well as elapsed time. Recent authentication need not authorize every later sensitive action; new recipients or exports may warrant separate approval.

Checks and decisions

  • Separate sensitive operations
  • Define context lifetime
  • Test switching

Sources

The primary references above provide the technical basis. Example workflows and evaluation suggestions are this publication’s explanations, not independent test results for a particular product.