Apple expands e2e encryption in iCloud and introduces new security features
Apple expands end-to-end encryption in iCloud to 23 types of data. Previously, the encryption technique was available for 14 types of data. Data from iCloud Mail, Contacts and Calendar is not yet e2e encrypted. The company is also introducing two new security features.
The reason is that the data from iCloud Mail, Contacts and Calendar is not encrypted according to Apple because these services must be able to be integrated with third-party apps and systems. In addition to these three categories of data that will be included in iCloud, end-to-end encryption will be applied to iCloud device backups, backups of Messages, iCloud Drive, Reminders, Safari Bookmarks, Assignments, Dictaphone recordings, and Wallet information. app. Health data, location information and passwords were already eligible for end-to-end encryption.
Security features Apple
To enable comprehensive end-to-end encryption, the Advanced Data Protection feature must be activated in the iCloud menu. It also states that Apple will no longer be able to access the data once encryption has been activated. From that moment on, the data will only be accessible via user-approved devices. After activating the feature, users will have to set up an alternative recovery method in case they lose their data.
Advanced Data Protection is available today to iOS users in the United States who also participate in the Apple Beta Software program. The feature will be rolled out more widely in the United States by the end of this year. Advanced Data Protection will also come to iOS users from other countries in early 2023.
In addition to Advanced Data Protection, Apple also comes with two other iOS security features. In 2023, it will be possible worldwide to encrypt Apple ID accounts with third-party security keys, such as a YubiKey. And Apple will also add iMessage Contact Key Verification to iOS early next year. This allows iMessage users to ensure that they are only communicating with who they think they are communicating with. Once the underlying system detects a device accessing messages in iMessage, users who have enabled the feature will see a warning at the bottom of their message window. These users can also open communication via FaceTime, among other things, to verify each other’s identity via a code.