Advanced-Data Protection is now available to anyone participating in the company’s Beta program. Next week, Apple’s latest iCloud data security option will be available to everyone. The condition is that you install iOS 16.3 on your iPhone.
MacRumors and other American media report this.
Here’s what you need to know about Advanced Data Protection
With Advanced Data Protection, Apple introduces end-to-end encryption for multiple categories of data in iCloud. Currently, end-to-end encryption is available for 14 different categories of data, including photos, videos, and passwords stored in the iCloud Keychain. As Apple rolls out its latest security measures, 23 categories of data will be encrypted with end-to-end encryption. Contacts, Calendar, and iCloud Mail, are not protected with end-to-end encryption because these categories interact with contact, calendar, and email systems worldwide.
Another significant change is that the decryption key to read information and data in iCloud is now stored on each user’s iPhone. This way, Apple wants to improve data security and provide customers with more privacy. Should a hacker gain access to someone else’s iCloud, he will see an incoherent mess of characters. The attacker cannot view backup files because he does not have the digital key to decrypt this data.
Security agencies concerned about Apple’s security program
The upgraded security does have a downside. If, for whatever reason, you can no longer access your iCloud, you don’t have to turn to Apple. The American technology company cannot restore access to the backup files.
In addition, it will be much more difficult for security and intelligence services to collect evidence against suspects. An FBI spokesperson said he was “deeply concerned” that Apple is applying end-to-end encryption to more categories of data.
More security options for your backups
Apple has added even more security features to Advanced Data Protection to protect your data better. iMessage Contact Key Verification alerts iMessage users if a hacker manages to break into Apple’s cloud servers and can eavesdrop on its secure communications. This new feature will appear in the year.
Security Keys means users can add a physical security key to their iCloud account, such as a Yubikey. “This feature is intended for users who, often because of their public profile, face collective threats to their online accounts, such as celebrities, journalists, and government members,” Apple said.
Advanced-Data Protection for everyone at your fingertips
Advanced-Data Protection has been available to US residents since December last year, initially only for customers who participated in the Apple Beta Software Program but later also for other users.
The security program is currently available to non-US Apple users who are members of the beta program, and it will be rolled out to all users starting next week. To use Advanced Data Protection, they must download iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, macOS 13.2, tvOS 16.3, or watchOS 9.3.
Update (January 24, 2023): Advanced Data Protection has been available in our country since Monday evening Dutch time. You must download and install iOS 16.3 or iPadOS 16.3 on your iPhone and iPad.
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