Home › News ›

Apple Will Offer End-to-End Encryption for Cloud Data, Including Backups

Article Comments

Dec 9, 2022, 12:45 PM by Rich Brome

Apple is introducing several new security-focused features this week. The optional features give users new ways to secure their accounts and protect their data. A feature Apple calls Advanced Data Protection for iCloud will let users end-to-end (E2E) encrypt nine additional types of cloud data, including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos. This is beyond the 14 categories already E2E encrypted by default. E2E ensures that personal data stays encrypted in transit to/from the cloud, and while stored in the cloud, in such a way that not even Apple can decrypt it. Data would also be protected in the event Apple suffers a cloud security breach. This could present a challenge for law enforcement, which sometimes subpoenas Apple for iCloud data of suspects, including iPhone backups. Advanced Data Protection for iCloud is in beta now, and will be available to US users by the end of the year. Apple will also now support hardware security keys for two-factor login using Apple ID. Hardware security keys provide a much higher level of security compared to other types of two-factor authentication. This feature "will be available globally in early 2023." iMessage Contact Key Verification is intended for "users who face extraordinary digital threats — such as journalists, human rights activists, and members of government". The feature helps users "verify that they are messaging only with the people they intend". A unique Contact Verification Code confirms user identity and can be confirmed via other channels, including in person. Users with the feature enabled will also "receive automatic alerts if an exceptionally advanced adversary, such as a state-sponsored attacker, were ever to succeed breaching cloud servers and inserting their own device to eavesdrop". This feature will be available "globally in 2023."

Related

Samsung S24 Series Adds More AI, Updates the Hardware

Jan 17, 2024
Samsung has unveiled its lineup of flagship phones for 2024, the Galaxy S24 series. The phones sport multiple upgrades in both hardware and software compared to last year's models.

Motorola's new Edge+ has Dual 50 Megapixel Rear Cameras and 60 on the Front

Feb 24, 2022
Motorola has announced its new flagship phone for 2022: the Motorola edge+ (2022). Its most unique specs are the camera resolutions: 50 megapixel for both the main camera and wide-angle camera; the selfie camera also clocks in at an unprecedented 60 megapixel.

iOS 16 Revamps the Lock Screen

Jun 6, 2022
Apple today announced iOS 16, the next version of its core software for iPhones. The new OS features a major revamp of the Lock Screen with new personalization, including font & color options, and widgets that are similar to complications on the Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Goes Ultra

Sep 7, 2022
Apple has refreshed its Apple Watch lineup with Series 8, a new Watch SE, and added a larger, more rugged Apple Watch Ultra for athletes and extreme adventurers. Apple Watch Series 8 has two main upgrades over Series 7: temperature sensors and Crash Detection.

Google Pixel 7 Series Tweaks Size, Adds Pro Cameras

Oct 6, 2022
Google has revealed the full details of its new Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro flagship phones. The new Pixel 7 is smaller, while the larger Pixel 7 Pro has a much more advanced camera system than any previous Pixel phone.

more news about:

Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

No messages

Page 1 of 1