You probably have important data in iCloud backups.
iCloud already encrypts your data by default, but it only does so if it is in transit.
It offers end-to-end encryption for iCloud services, previously available only for iMessage.
In this article, well tell you what it does and how you’re able to enable it.
What Is Advanced Data Protection for iCloud?
Apples Standard Data Protection is good enough for most people.
It ensures data confidentiality and privacy.
Its one of thehidden Mac featuresthat isnt an easy find.
This new feature makes backup encryption much simpler.
Earlier, you had to go through an extremely long and clunky process through iTunes for local backup encryption.
Youll have to set up at least one alternative recovery method to use this feature.
Is Your equipment Compatible With Advanced Data Protection?
Your gadget needs to be on iOS 16.2 and above, and there are some prerequisites too.
Firstly, youll need to enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
Your machine also needs to have a set password or passcode.
One account recovery contact or recovery key is also mandatory.
If you dont have any of these, youll have to set them up before enabling Advanced Data Protection.
Advanced data protection is currently available on:
What Does Advanced Data Protection Cover?
Your payment information, iMessage, keychain data, and data from the health app already had end-to-end encryption.
With the iOS 16.2 update, Advanced Data Protection is rolling out to more iCloud categories.
The setup process can be slow.
The feature might not work for a while if you have a new, out-of-the-box unit.
Well demonstrate how you might enable this feature on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
The process remains the same for both iOS and iPadOS.
How to Enable It on iPhone or iPad
1.
Tap on yourApple IDname at the top of theSettingsapp.
Youll see theiCloudoption in the second submenu; tap on it.
TapTurn on Advanced Data Protection, which you could find in the iCloud submenu.
Youll have to enter your28-character recovery keyafter reviewing your recovery methods.
Enter the passcode you usually use to unlock your iPhone or iPad when prompted.
TapDoneto complete the setup.
The process could take a while.
iCloud Advanced Data Protection should now be enabled for your Apple ID.
You dont have to repeat it multiple times since the setting will sync across all of them.
If youre on a Mac, follow the steps below to enable Advanced Data Protection.
Go to theSystem Settingsapp and hit your Apple ID name, located at the top left.
- press iCloud, and find the Advanced Data Protection setting at the bottom.
Now youll see a summary of what the feature does to your iCloud data.
Enter your28-character recovery keyin the following popup for verification.
Enter yourMacs passwordwhen prompted and clickContinue.
ClickDoneto finish the setup when the Advanced Data Protection is On pop-up appears.
How Does This Affect Your iCloud Data?
It wont change how you interact with your system apps, but backups might be slower.
How to Disable Advanced Data Protection?
Disabling Advanced Data Protection is a straightforward process.
If you dont need the feature, follow the steps below to disable it.
Conclusion
End-to-end encryption is a step in the right direction.
Apples privacy marketing schemes are inaccurate since they still collect information from their first-party apps.
However, Apple offers many privacy-focused features.
you’re free to hide your actual mail address and turn off all third-party app tracking.
Apple also blocks all harmful trackers from browsers.
This extra security measure effectively deters many cyber criminals and prevents phishing scams from occurring.
