Things to know before you use Apple Advanced Data Protection for iCloud:
- Your devices must be running iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, macOS 13.1, tvOS 16.2, and watchOS 9.2 (or later).
- Enable Two-Factor authentication for your Apple ID.
- Set up at least one recovery contact or a recovery key because if you lose a device or forget your password, you are the only one who can restore your data. Apple will not have your iCloud backup encryption keys.
- You can’t enable Advanced Data Protection for managed Apple IDs and child accounts.
iOS 16 has a slew of new features, and Apple is focusing more on user security. So, the recent iOS 16.2 updates are offering a new feature called Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. It will provide end-to-end encryption and enhance the iCloud service with additional security layers. Want to secure your iCloud data? Let’s learn how to use Advanced Data Protection for iCloud on iPhone or iPad.
- What is Advanced Data Protection?
- How to turn on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud in iOS 16.2
- Changes after turning on iCloud Advanced Data Protection
- Apple’s other security measures for user data
What is Advanced Data Protection?
Apple has always offered industry-level data security for its users. Now, Apple Advanced Data Protection will extend the sensitive data categories from 14 to 23, including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos. So, they can employ end-to-end encryption, which ensures that no hackers (or even Apple) will be able to decrypt your data.
iCloud Advanced Data Protection is an optional feature. When you enable it, only your trusted devices may access your iCloud data. Also, it will include iCloud Keychain processing. Opting for end-to-end encryption to iCloud will remove your previous iCloud authentication.
Also, your new iCloud data will be secured using a new service key that is only available for your trusted devices. Therefore, Apple will no longer access your encrypted cloud data even if a data breach in cloud services happens.
“Advanced Data Protection is Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, giving users the choice to protect the vast majority of their most sensitive iCloud data with end-to-end encryption so that it can only be decrypted on their trusted devices.”
Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of Security Engineering and Architecture
How to turn on Advanced Data Protection in iOS 16.2
Remember turning on Advanced Data Protection on one device will enable it for all your Apple ID-linked devices. Here I have mentioned the steps for iPhone and iPad.
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Select iCloud.
- Scroll down and tap Advanced Data Protection.
- After that, choose Turn On Advanced Data Protection.
Now, if you have not configured your Recovery Key, it will ask you to set up Apple ID Recovery Key.
- Once you have set up Account Recovery, return to the Advanced Data Protection page. If all your Apple ID-linked devices are not running the most recent operating system version, it will notify you of which ones need to be updated. You may also unlink that device from Settings.
- After accomplishing all the requirements, enable and use Apple Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. You’ll be guided through a couple of additional verification steps. So, enter your Recovery Key and lock passcode as required.
- In the end, you will get a confirmation on enabling Advanced Data Protection.
For Mac, you need to go Apple menu → System Settings → click your name → iCloud → Advanced Data Protection → click Turn On.
To disable the feature, go to Settings → tap your name → iCloud → Advanced Data Protection → Turn off Advanced Data Protection. And follow the on-screen prompts.
Changes after turning on iCloud Advanced Data Protection
You may encounter some changes after you have enabled Advanced Data Protection. It will disable access to your iCloud data on the internet at iCloud.com. So, your data is only accessible on your trusted devices. If you want to enable it, authorize temporary access to your online data using one of your trusted devices.
If you have set up Family Sharing, all shared data, like iCloud Shared Photo Library, iCloud Drive shared folders and shared Notes, will get end-to-end encryption. But all the members should enable the feature on their devices.
Besides, the Advanced Data Protection feature is not supported by iWork collaboration. So, your Shared Albums in Photos or collaborative files with “anyone with the link” will only have traditional data security measures, not end-to-end encryption.
Apple’s other security measures for user data
Besides Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, Apple has launched two new tools to safeguard users’ private data and conversations. They are iMessage Contact Key Verification and Security Keys for Apple ID. The iMessage Contact Key Verification will ensure you are texting exclusively with the right person.
Moreover, now you can have a physical security key for signing into your Apple ID account. You may visit the Apple support page to know about iCloud data security.
So, that’s all for today, folks!
The Advanced Data Protection for iCloud feature will be rolled out globally by the end of December 2022. So, safeguard your sensitive iCloud data from hackers and data breaches. Also, take security measures to keep your Apple ID and iPhone safe and secure.
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