Three new security features from Apple were unveiled with the goal of assisting consumers in safeguarding their cloud-based data. These new features include Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which uses end-to-end encryption to provide Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, iMessage Contact Key Verification, which enables users to confirm they are communicating only with those they intend, Security Keys for Apple ID, which enables users to require a physical security key to sign in to their Apple ID account, and Security Keys for iMessage. Celebrities, politicians, journalists, and other notable persons who are more prone to experience cyberattacks have been targeted by the features.
In-Depth details about Users of Apple iPhones can now use physical Security Keys to protect their data:
These new functionalities are now available, according to Apple. Early in 2023, the Message Contact Key Verification and Security Keys for Apple ID will be accessible worldwide. Members of the Apple Beta Software Program now have access to the Advanced Data Protection for iCloud in the US. By the end of the year, US customers will have access to it. Beginning in early 2023, the feature will be made available to the rest of the world.
iMessage Contact Key Verification enables users to confirm that they are only speaking with the individuals they intend to.
Security Keys: With these Keys for Apple ID, users can decide if they want to need a physical security key to access their accounts.
Advanced-Data Protection: End-to-end encryption is available to iCloud customers to further protect sensitive iCloud data, including backups and images.
Users who confront severe digital risks, such as journalists, human rights activists, and government officials, should enable iMessage Contact Key Verification. They can decide to perform further checks to ensure that they are only messaging those they intend.
The great majority of users will never be the target of extremely sophisticated assaults, but for those who might be, the function offers a crucial additional degree of security. If a highly sophisticated adversary, such as a state-sponsored attacker, were ever to succeed in breaching cloud servers, conversations between users who have activated iMessage Contact Key Verification will automatically receive notifications. If malware tries to intercept these encrypted messages, it will even sound an alarm. Users of the iMessage Contact Key Verification feature can use FaceTime, in-person meetings, or other secure calls to compare a Contact Verification Code.
Users may now more easily protect their accounts with two-factor authentication thanks to Apple. Users will have the ability to use third-party hardware security keys with the release of Security Keys to further this protection. This tool is intended for individuals who frequently experience coordinated threats to their online accounts, such as famous people, journalists, and government officials. Apple’s two-factor authentication is strengthened by Security Keys by requiring a hardware security key as one of the two factors. This can be especially useful in preventing phishing fraud.
Advanced-Data Protection for iCloud by Apple uses end-to-end encryption to offer the greatest level of cloud data protection available in the industry. Users can use this function to encrypt their most private iCloud data, which can only be decrypted on trusted devices. In response to growing worries about data breaches in the cloud, Advanced Data Protection was introduced.
The overall number of data types secured using end-to-end encryption for users who choose Advanced Data Protection climbs to 23, including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos. Due to the requirement for interoperability with international email, contacts, and calendar systems, iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar are the only major iCloud data categories that are not covered.
