Apple introduces end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups and other features

Apple has been working really hard on its iCloud service to make it safer and easier to use. According to a recent report, Apple has now launched a new enhanced protection for iCloud services. The report reveals that onews_teaser">nline storage users get a new feature that uses end-to-end encryption. This helps users to protect their sensitive iCloud data. This includes the protection of personal data including backups, photos, notes and more.

At the moment, iCloud users have this feature as an option. However, the feature is not widely available for now. The testing will first take place in the U.S. first before it rolls out widely. For users who opt for this new security feature, Advanced Data Protection aims to protect "most iCloud data even in the event of a cloud data breach" by ensuring that encrypted cloud data is only decrypted on users' trusted devices.

Users will need a password to recover data

Those who opt for end-to-end encryption will get a prompt via the settings. They will have to choose an alternative recovery method (the device passcode or password, a recovery contact, or a personal recovery key). This is required in case one ever loses access to the Apple account. The alternative recovery method is good because Apple does not have the decryption keys. Thus, if users lose their code, they may not be able to recover the data.

"Starting with iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS 13.1, you can turn on Advanced Backup to protect most of your iCloud data, even in the event of data loss in the cloud," Apple explains on its support site.

This type of data protection is what users really need. Neither Apple nor another third party will have access to the data. All messages and backups, iCloud Drive, photos, notes, reminders, Safari bookmarks, wallet passes, voice memos, Siri shortcuts, and more will be protected. However, iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar data aren't encrypted.