Apple brings new security features for data protection

Apple took the next step in its ongoing attempt to give people even better ways to protect their data it has unveiled cutting-edge security capabilities aimed at defending against attacks on user data in the cloud.

The company to push for greater security has started initiatives like Contact Key Verification in iMessage, enhanced Security Keys in Apple ID and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

Apple has offered amazing security on its devices with Data Protection, the sophisticated file encryption system built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac. According to Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of Security Engineering and Architecture said that Advanced Data Protection is Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, giving users the choice to protect the vast majority of their most sensitive iCloud data with end-to-end encryption so that it can only be decrypted on their trusted devices.

Users taking a more aggressive stance on protecting data on the cloud should not come as a surprise as it is seen that cloud infrastructures are more under threat and attack than before. Experts estimate that between 2013 and 2021, the total number of data breaches more than tripled, exposing 1.1 billion personal records globally. Companies in the IT sector are increasingly addressing this growing threat by integrating end-to-end encryption into their products. 

Security Keys

Users get to better the protection provided by two-factor authentication by using third-party hardware security keys. This tool is intended for individuals who frequently experience targeted threats to their online accounts owing to their public personas, such as celebrities, journalists, and public officials. By requiring a hardware security key as one of the two requirements for users who choose to participate, Security Keys improve Apple’s two-factor authentication. This strengthens the security of our two-factor authentication by making it impossible for even a highly skilled attacker to trick a user into providing their second factor.

iMessage Contact Key Verification

Users that confront severe digital dangers, including journalists, human rights advocates, and members of the government, can now choose to further verify that they are messaging solely with the persons they intend by using iMessage Contact Key Verification.