Apple shared, on Wednesday, it will introduce end-to-end encryption for most of the data on iCloud by early 2023. The company also said it will be bring iMessage contact key verification and security keys for enhanced data protection for users who face concerted threats.
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Apple shared that users who opt in for end-to-end encryption on their iCloud will have a vast majority of their data protected even in case of a data breach in the cloud.
While iCloud already uses end-to-end encryption for 14 data categories like iCloud Keychain and health data, this number will now increase to 23 and will include data points like iCloud backup, notes, and photos.
Categories like iCloud Mail, contacts, and calendar will not be covered since they will require interoperability with global email, contacts, and calendar systems, the company shared.
Apple also announced that it will be launching security keys that will allow users to make third-party hardware security keys for enhanced protection.
The feature is designed for users who face concerted threats such as celebrities, journalists, and members of the government, the company shared.
In iMessage, the company shared it will be introducing Contact Key Verification, a feature that will allow users to verify that they are messaging only with intended people. The feature is aimed at enhancing security for public figures and journalists.
Contact key verifications can be compared in-person, on FaceTime, or through another secure call, the company shared.
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud will be rolling out for users across the world in early 2023. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Conversations between users who have enabled iMessage Contact Key verification will receive automatic alerts if an exceptionally advanced adversary, such as a state-sponsored attacker breaches cloud servers to eavesdrop on encrypted communications.
Apple shared that enhanced security for users’ data is needed more than ever before. The company cited a summary of data breach research that said data breaches more than tripled between 2013 and 2021, exposing 1.1 billion personal records across the globe.
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud has been made available for users in the U.S. who are members of the Apple Beta Software program and will be rolling out for users across the world in early 2023.
