Enhancing user security through potent data safeguards, Apple unveils robust new protective measures
In an era where data breaches are on the rise, Apple is stepping up its game to provide users with stronger ways to protect their data. The tech giant has announced several new security measures, including Advanced Data Protection for iCloud and iMessage Contact Key Verification.
Apple's new offering, Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, is designed to provide the highest level of cloud data security. This feature, now available in the US for members of the Apple Beta Software Program, will be rolled out globally by early 2023. With Advanced Data Protection enabled, the total number of data categories protected using end-to-end encryption rises to 23, including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos.
iCloud already protects 14 sensitive data categories using end-to-end encryption by default, including passwords in iCloud Keychain and Health data. Apple's two-factor authentication for Apple ID, now used by over 95% of active iCloud accounts, will be enhanced with the addition of third-party hardware security keys, known as Security Keys. For users who opt in, Security Keys strengthen Apple's two-factor authentication by requiring a hardware security key as one of the two factors, preventing even advanced attackers from obtaining a user's second factor in a phishing scam.
iMessage Contact Key Verification is another important security measure designed to verify that users are communicating only with whom they intend. This feature will be available globally in 2023 and is particularly beneficial for those who might be targeted by highly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Apple's ongoing effort to provide users with even stronger ways to protect their data includes features like Lockdown Mode. The company is committed to strengthening both device and cloud security, and to adding new protections over time.
In 2023, Apple made Advanced Data Protection for iCloud available outside the USA in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and many more. Security Keys for Apple ID will also become available globally in early 2023.
The need for enhanced security for users' data in the cloud is more urgently needed than ever before, as demonstrated in a new summary of data breach research, "The Rising Threat to Consumer Data in the Cloud," published today. The report reveals that the total number of data breaches more than tripled between 2013 and 2021, exposing 1.1 billion personal records across the globe in 2021 alone.
In conclusion, Apple is taking significant strides to enhance the security of its users' data in the cloud. With features like Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, Security Keys, and iMessage Contact Key Verification, users can rest assured that their data is more secure than ever before.
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