December 8, 2022
Apple has announced the expansion of end-to-end encryption on an opt-in basis for its various cloud services and data categories in order to improve security. This initiative, known as Advanced Data Protection, extends end-to-end encryption to a variety of additional iCloud services, including iCloud device backups, Messages backups, Photos, and much more.
It allows users to more tightly lock down photos and notes stored on its iCloud service and requires a physical security key when logging in from a new device, according to the company, and it is aimed specifically at celebrities, journalists, activists, politicians, and other high-profile individuals who are frequently targeted by hackers.
If a user enables Advanced Data Protection, it means that no one, including Apple, will have the keys to decrypt his or her data.
Advanced Data Protection will be available later this month on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac with iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS 13.1, and will provide end-to-end encryption for Device Backups and Message Backups, iCloud Drive, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Voice Memos, Safari Bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, and Wallet Passes.
Advanced Data Protection will be an opt-in feature, which means users will have to open the Settings app and navigate to the iCloud menu to enable it.
The sources for this piece include an article in Reuters.
