Apple Starts End-To-End Encryption For Backups In iCloud

Apple launches enhanced protection for iCloud. Online storage users get a new feature that uses end-to-end encryption to protect sensitive iCloud data – including backups, photos, notes, and more.

The whole thing is optional and will initially only be tested in the USA. For customers 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 be able.

Recovery is not possible without a password

Those who opt for end-to-end encryption will be prompted via the settings 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 necessary because Apple does not have the decryption keys 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.

What is not encrypted

Types of data protected with end-to-end encryption include device and message backups, iCloud Drive, photos, notes, reminders, Safari bookmarks, wallet passes, voice memos, Siri shortcuts, and more. iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar data isn’t encrypted because it’s needed to communicate with other email, contacts, and calendar systems.