On December 7, Apple announced the introduction of several new features aimed at preventing user data threats in cloud storage, including end-to-end encryption for contacts, notes, photos, mobile banking, and iCloud backups. The company also introduced Apple ID Security Keys, providing users with two-factor authentication for logging into their accounts. Additionally, Apple introduced the iMessage “contact key” verification feature, allowing users to ensure they are communicating with the intended recipient.
The Advanced Data Protection feature expands encryption capabilities from 14 “categories of sensitive data” protected by end-to-end encryption to 23 new categories. Previously, iCloud’s end-to-end encryption applied only to the most sensitive data, such as iCloud Keychain passwords and personal health information.
The only data categories still not covered by Advanced Data Protection are iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar.
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud is available in the U.S. for Apple beta testing participants and will be available to all U.S. users by the end of the year. According to Apple, this feature will be available worldwide in early 2023.
The iMessage “contact key” verification will be available in 2023, and Apple ID Security Keys will be available worldwide in early 2023.