Strengthening Defenses: Activating Apple Advanced Data Protection
During a concerning surge in cybersecurity breaches, Apple is urging users to activate its Advanced Data Protection feature for iCloud, introduced a year ago. This feature incorporates end-to-end encryption for most data exchanged between Apple’s apps and devices, aiming to bolster user defenses against the escalating threat landscape
The unsettling findings of a recent cybersecurity report, commissioned by Apple and authored by MIT information technology professor Stuart Madnick, underscore the gravity of the situation. Personal records exposed skyrocketed from 1.1 billion in 2021 to an alarming 1.5 billion in 2022. Notably, cybercriminals are increasingly resorting to “vendor exploitation attacks,” infiltrating businesses through partnerships or exploiting vulnerabilities in vendor-supplied software systems.
Proactive Measures: Activating Advanced Data Protection
While the Advanced Data Protection feature does not claim to shield users from external breaches, Apple is actively recommending its adoption. The emphasis is on preventing personal devices from inadvertently becoming conduits for attacks and data exposure. Activating the feature on iOS is straightforward: within the Settings app, navigate to your iCloud account, tap iCloud, and then select Advanced Data Protection. Follow the provided instructions to establish account recovery options, a necessary step once end-to-end encryption is enabled for additional data categories.
Significantly, iCloud already employs end-to-end encryption to safeguard 14 sensitive data categories, including health data and passwords stored in the iCloud keychain. The Advanced Data Protection feature enhances this by introducing seven more protected categories, bringing the total to 23. These encompass crucial elements such as iCloud backups, Notes, and Photos.
Although Apple has not disclosed the number of users who have embraced Advanced Data Protection, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a prominent digital privacy advocacy group, commends the feature. Specifically, they highlight its efficacy in safeguarding consumer data, especially in encrypting iCloud backups, a previously potential source of user information exposure.
Read More (Apple)
