Apple continues to work to deliver on its promise of maximum security!
This week, Apple announced one of its most important security updates, thanks to the extend end-to-end encryption on several new iCloud data typesincluding device backups, iMessage cloud data, photos, etc.
Three new alternatives for protecting customer cloud data from outside attacks include iMessage Contact Security Key Verification, Apple ID Security Keys, and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. Although most will begin expansion in 2023, iCloud Advanced Data Protection is now available in beta since iOS 16.2. for US users.
Apple’s Powerful New Data Protections
Apple expands data protection options
According to Apple’s description via its official blog, each of these options offers even stronger ways to protect your data.
iMessage Contacts Password Check
Users can verify that they only communicate with whom they want. Thus, they receive automatic alerts if an attacker manages to penetrate the cloud servers and insert their own device to spy on these encrypted communications. Similarly, iMessage contact password verification users they can compare a contact verification code in person, on FaceTime, or through another secure call.
Apple ID Security Keys
This feature is designed for users who often face threats due to their public profile. this option strengthens Apple’s two-factor authentication by requiring a hardware security key as one of two factors, prevent an advanced attacker from obtaining a user’s second factor in a phishing scam.
Advanced data protection
According to Ivan Krstić, head of engineering and security architecture at Apple, Advanced Data Protection is the “highest level of data security in the cloud”.
Advanced Data Protection is Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, giving users the ability to protect the vast majority of their most sensitive iCloud data with end-to-end encryption so it can’t be decrypted only on your trusted devices.
For users who sign up, Advanced Data Protection protects most iCloud data even in the event of a cloud data breach.
Before the announcement, iCloud offered end-to-end encryption for 14 different categories of data, including things like iCloud Keychain and health data. However, today’s expansion increases the number of data categories protected by end-to-end encryption to 23. The new categories are:
- Device backups.
- Support posts.
- iCloud Drive.
- Ratings.
- Pictures.
- Reminders.
- Safari bookmarks.
- Siri Shortcuts.
- voice memos
- Pass wallet.
Along with this announcement, Apple promised to continue offering Powerful new tools to better protect data and more confidential communications
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