In late 2022, Apple introduced three advanced security features focused on protecting user data stored in the cloud from threats. These features include: Ignition Key Verification feature in iMessage, which allows users to verify that they are only communicating with the people they want. and the Apple ID Security Key feature, which allows users to require a security key to sign in to their Apple account. iCloud Advanced Data Protection provides the highest level of security for cloud data with end-to-end data encryption.
First, what is iCloud Advanced Data Protection?
By default, iCloud protects your information by encrypting it in transit, storing it in an encrypted format, and protecting encryption keys in Apple's data centers. For the highest level of security for your cloud data, you can enable Advanced Data Protection, a feature that uses end-to-end encryption for more categories of data, including:
- backup device.
- Save messages.
- iCloud Drive.
- comments.
- picture.
iCloud Advanced Data Protection is an optional feature that provides the highest level of security for your Apple Cloud data. If you turn it on, most of your iCloud data like backups, photos, notes, and other data in iCloud will be protected by end-to-end encryption. No one else, not even Apple, can access your fully encrypted data, and even in the event of a data breach in the cloud, it remains secure.
Before enabling Advanced Data Protection, you will be prompted to configure at least one backup recovery method, either Recovery Contacts or Recovery Key. By enabling Advanced Data Protection, Apple does not have the necessary encryption keys to help you recover fully encrypted data. If you lose access to your account, you need to use the following account recovery methods to get your iCloud data back:
- Your device passcode or password.
- Recovery contact: A friend or family member who can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account and all data.
- Recovery Key: This is a 28-digit passcode that you can use with your trusted phone number and Apple device to recover your account and data.
second; Requirements to enable iCloud Advanced Data Protection:
To enable iCloud Advanced Data Protection, you need the following:
1. Apple ID.
2. Your device password.
3. At least one recovery account or recovery contact.
4. Update the operating system on all Apple devices that are signed in with your Apple ID. The following operating system versions support enhanced data protection features:
- iPhone: iOS 16.2 or later.
- iPad: iPadOS 16.2 or higher.
- Mac computer: macOS 13.1 or later.
- Apple Watch: watchOS 9.2 or later.
- Apple TV: tvOS 16.2 or higher
third; To turn on Advanced Privacy Protection in iCloud:
You can enable Advanced Data Protection on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac with the above OS versions. Enabling Enhanced Data Protection on one device enables it for your entire account and all compatible devices. Here are the steps to enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud on different Apple devices:
On your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on your name, then click on iCloud options.
- Scroll down and tap on Enhanced Privacy, then turn on Enhanced Privacy.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to review recovery methods and enable Advanced Data Protection.
On Mac computers:
- Go to (System Settings) System Settings.
- Click on your name, then click on iCloud options.
- Click on the "Advanced Privacy" option and then click on the "Open" button.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to review recovery methods and enable Advanced Data Protection.
fourth; Access your data on the web at iCloud.com:
When Enhanced Privacy is on, you can't automatically access your iCloud data on the web (iCloud.com), ensuring that your data is only available on your trusted devices. However, you can turn back web access and use a trusted device to temporarily access your data.
Fifth ; To turn off Enhanced Privacy in iCloud:
On your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on your name, then click on iCloud options.
- Scroll down and turn off Enhanced privacy
On Mac computers:
- Go to (System Settings) System Settings.
- Click on your name, then click on iCloud options.
- Click on the option (Extended Data Protection) and then click on the (Close) button.