AFP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS••Edited
Apple will store user data more securely in iCloud. On the storage service, data will soon be written with end-to-end encryption, meaning that no one but you can see the data. The new feature will be offered in the US starting this month and in the rest of the world in the new year.
With end-to-end encryption, data is stored encrypted and the encryption key used is entered into the user’s device, as is the key to decrypt the data.
Right now, those keys are still on Apple’s servers. Hackers who gain access to those servers can then access iCloud user data as well. The new security feature also means that Apple can’t give data to governments and law enforcement agencies if they request it.
Sensitive data categories
Apple to say in an explanation that users can choose the Advanced data protection. Prior to iCloud, the company already used this form of security for fourteen categories of sensitive data and is now significantly expanding the number of categories.
The tech giant is also introducing an additional security feature for iMessage, allowing users to verify that the person they’re chatting with is really that person. If they wish, both chatters will receive a message with the same code from Apple and thus be able to determine the identity of the other.
