The security of Apple’s iCloud storage service has been further improved. The tech company will introduce so-called advanced data protection. For example, photos, videos and messages are stored encrypted and only you have the keys that can decrypt your files.
Until now, only health data, passwords and payment information were stored encrypted. Thanks to the new security, almost all files in iCloud are now encrypted. The exceptions are email, contacts, and calendars; encryption is not yet possible for this.
Apple is also changing where so-called encryption keys are stored. This allows you to encrypt or decrypt your files. Until now, these keys have been stored on Apple’s iCloud servers. Hackers who gained access to Apple servers could also access iCloud user data. To avoid this, keys are now stored on the user’s device.
The new security feature also means that Apple can’t give data to governments and law enforcement agencies if they request it. There was more to do there, because a lot of people’s personal data is stored via their mobile phone. As a result, such login services can learn a lot about people, possibly including sensitive information.
iCloud used to be a weak link in the security of Apple devices
Apple’s cloud storage has long been considered vulnerable, even though the company’s devices already offer world-class security features. With the update of these features, Apple now wants to fill this gap.
Apple also has an additional security option for iMessage. This allows users to check if the person they are chatting with is really that person. Both chatters then receive a message with the same code from Apple and can thus determine the identity of the other.
The new features will be available in the US this month. Apple will roll out the new features to the rest of the world early next year.
