As an Apple user, all your data is stored on iCloud (except the information locally stored on your devices). Thus, iCloud security should be a primary concern for you. Unfortunately, most users remain in the dark about iCloud’s internal security. Past hacks add to that situation. So the vital question remains: can the average iCloud user be at ease about data security? Or is it possible that iCloud is a privacy liability?
This article will review every security protocol Apple uses to protect user data. We’ll also tell you about the best security measures you can employ to increase your iCloud security.
Quick tips to strengthen the security of iCloud
Apple takes user privacy seriously, regardless of location. And iCloud’s security features are good in general. For example, they include high-end end-to-end encryption methods.
However, adopting a few extra measures can make your iCloud even safer.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Enable the “Find My” services for your gadgets.
- If you are on ICloud+, turn “HideMyEmail” on.
- Sign out of any browser you’re not using.
- Manage the apps that find you using your Apple ID.
- Choose a good, strong password.
- Adopt a password manager.
What is iCloud?
iCloud is Apple’s cloud computing and storage platform serving iOS users since October 2011. As an Apple user, this is the place that stores your pictures, videos, contacts, calendars, notes, and all those things that have made Apple’s devices and software the darling of user-friendliness enthusiasts.
The tech giant offers iCloud to every Apple device user with limited free storage. (Think of it as something similar to Google Drive provided to Android users.) For instance, a user can avail of up to 5GB of storage for free, whereas upgrading to iCloud+ for the premium subscription can get more storage and premium features.
Is Apple’s iCloud secure?
iCloud is a safe service indeed, in general. The encryption protocols are excellent and transparent. End-to-end encryption is the rule for all data in the cloud –storage or transit.
There are instances in which some third parties store data in their databases. Fortunately, even in those cases, the third parties must follow Apple’s stringent security standards.
The encryption starts with AES 128-bits for most of the data in the cloud. Granted, AES 128-bit is not as strong as the 256 version. However, the AES matrix is robust enough that no successful attack has existed. So the data you keep in your iCloud (memos, reminders, pictures, contacts, calendars, backups, and everything else) is encrypted with a reliable algorithm that can’t be broken so far.
Additionally, whenever you access the iCloud.com domain, your session is secured with TLS 1.2 encryption.
Apple’s commitment to privacy and data security is well known. Its PR machinery makes sure it makes the news often, and the company walks the walk on this issue. In several instances, Apple has even faced intense pressure from governmental agencies to provide shortcuts for data acquisition, but the Cupertino giant has stood firm.
You can tell how seriously Apple takes the platform’s security because of the measures it uses:
- Advanced hardware protection with T2 specialized chips.
- Every Apple device boots incrementally. That ensures that a malicious party can never take over control.
- Frequent updates to neutralize any new threats quickly.
- Some information is encrypted at the device level, so even Apple can’t access that data.
- Apple enforces high-security standards for all partners and App Store developers.
So, as you can see, Apple cares about data security on iCloud. Hence, it works hard to secure everything at policy and technical levels. Consequently, iCloud is secured cloud storage to save your data.
Data types and encryption
The table below shows how iCloud protects your data with advanced data protection and standard data protection.