Users can now safeguard their most sensitive data and communications with iMessage Contact Key Verification, Security Keys for Apple ID, and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.

Apple Dec 7 2023 announced three additional security features aimed at securing user data in the cloud, marking the latest stage in the company's continuous endeavour to give consumers with even better solutions to protect their data. Users may utilise iMessage Contact Key Verification to ensure they are connecting only with the people they want to. Users can require a physical security key to sign in to their Apple ID account with Security Keys for Apple ID. Furthermore, with Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which employs end-to-end encryption to ensure Apple's highest degree of cloud data security, users may further secure vital iCloud data such as iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes, and more.

Availability

In 2023, iMessage Contact Key Verification will be accessible internationally.
Apple ID Security Keys will be accessible internationally in early 2023.
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud is already available in the US for Apple Beta Software Program participants and will be accessible to all US customers before the end of the year. The functionality will be available to the rest of the world in early 2023.
A comprehensive technical summary of the Advanced Data Protection optional security upgrades is available in our Platform Security Guide, as is the data breach research "The Rising Threat to Consumer Data in the Cloud" by Dr. Stuart Madnick, professor emeritus at MIT Sloan School of Management.