Security News > 2022 > December > Apple unveils end-to-end encryption for iCloud backup, Photos, etc.

Apple is expanding end-to-end encryption options for users and finally offering E2EE for their iCloud backup.

"iCloud already protects 14 sensitive data categories using end-to-end encryption by default, including passwords in iCloud Keychain and Health data. For users who enable Advanced Data Protection, the total number of data categories protected using end-to-end encryption rises to 23, including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos," the company said in a recent announcement.

Users' Apple devices will have to be updated to: iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2, and the latest version of iCloud for Windows.

"As these keys are protected by iCloud HSMs, this deletion is immediate, permanent, and irrevocable. After the keys are deleted, Apple can no longer access any of the data protected by the user's service keys," Apple explains.

"The ability to opt-in to encrypted iCloud backups is a really big win for users and bad news for law enforcement, who loved to request iCloud backups to save them the trouble of breaking into a phone," noted Eva Galperin, Director of Cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Along with this new feature, Apple has confirmed that it has abandoned its plans to scan users' iCloud photos for child sexual abuse material.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2022/12/08/encryption-icloud-backup/