Most of your iCloud data is not fully protected – how to change it

Apple uses two different forms of encryption for your iCloud data – a strong form for particularly sensitive data such as health and diaries, but weaker for many other data that you still don’t want to fall into the wrong hands.

Fortunately, the company gives you the opportunity to switch to strong encryption for all Your iCloud data, and although it is a few steps, it is useful protection of the security and protection of personal data …

 

What is the agreement with iCloud encryption?

There are two main approaches to encrypt data:

• Encryption at rest (aka “weak encryption”)
• End-to-end encryption (aka e2ee or “strong encryption”)

By default, Apple uses a mixture of these two, as you can see below.

The difference between them is simple and concerns that have a key with the ability to decrypt data. For iCloud data:

• Weak encryption: Your device + Apple
• Strong encryption: Only your device

Which data is fully protected?

By default, Apple uses strong encryption for things on the left but weak encryption for things to the right:

Strong encryption	Weak encryption
Passwords and Keycard	Backup of iCloud (device and message)
Health data	ICloud Drive
Journal data	Photo
Home data	Comment
In ICloud’s reports	Reminder
Payment information	Safari tabs
Apple card transaction	Siri abbreviations
Maps	Voice note
QuickType keyboard learned vocabulary	Pass wallet
Safari	Freeform
Screen time
Siri information
Wi-Fi passwords
Bluetooth W1 and H1 keys
Memoji

It leaves dose Sensitive data that is not fully protected will pop up with this particular example: photos, notes and backups of your messages.

Why should you be interested?

You can believe Apple, so you think it’s not a big problem if the company also holds the key.

However, Apple creates two risks with the key. First, if the hacker gets access to iCloud and encryption keys, he should have access to your data.

Second, the coercive authorities can get short commands that require Apple to pass data, and you can be well caught up in the investigation, even if you are not completely unchanged. For example, investigators may require your data because you have been identified as in the same lease as suspect at the same time.

For both reasons you can feel the best to apply a strong encryption to all Your iCloud data. Apple allows you to enable Advanced Data Protection (ADP). Note that you can not allow it in the UK at the moment, because we have a technically illiterate government, but it seems that it will soon change.

Are there any disadvantages to increase safety?

Yes: With strong encryption, Apple can no longer access your data and therefore cannot help you restore them. For example, at present, if you forget your iCloud password and transport your identity to Apple’s satisfaction, the company can help you restore some of your data. With ADP allowed, Apple would not have a way to help.

For this reason, Apple requires you to take several preventive measures:

• Create an inventory recovery key (which works as a backup password)
• Add contact with recovery (someone you trust, who will help you gain access)

How do you allow advanced data protection?

I recommend checking our very detailed instructions and video guides. However, the short version is this:

Add the recovery key

• Settings → → Password and Security → Restore key
• Reset Key → Turn on the recovery key → use the recovery key
• If the prompt is, enter your access code
• Note the restoration key of 28 characters
• Enter it (to prove that you have noticed it correctly)

Since the recovery key is designed for use when you have lost access to all your Apple devices, we recommend that this low-tech with this: Write it and stick it safe.

Add contact with recovery

Your recovery contact will not have access to your data (unless they have physical access to your devices), but will be able to generate the anchor key. They will have to own at least one Apple device.

• Settings → → Login and Security → Recovery of Contacts
• Tap Add contact with recovery

Called ADP

• Settings → → iCloud
• Scroll down and tap Advanced data protection panel
• Tap Turn on advanced data protection
• Tap Check the recovery methods
• Tap Contacts up to date Confirm them that your recovery is the correct contact
• Enter the recovery key and confirm that you have access to this
• Enter the device’s access code
• Tap Therefore When you see a confirmation that ADP is allowed

It is a slightly intricate process, but that’s a good reason: Apple wants to ensure you know what you are doing and can restore your own data if you ever forget your iCloud password.

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