Law enforcement agencies and privacy organizations are arguing over a new method to secure data.
Beyond Encryption: Why We Can't Agree on Security and Privacy
Apple recently announced that it is bringing end-to-end encryption to even more sensitive types of iCloud data, including device backups, messages and photos. The move has been welcomed by privacy advocates who say it will keep online information more secure. But the FBI has reportedly said that the enhanced encryption could compromise its ability to catch criminals.
“In certain situations, when users sign up for the service, Apple no longer has the key to unlock data,” Matt Howard, senior vice president of cybersecurity firm Virtru, told Lifewire in an email interview. “As a result, law enforcement agencies can’t simply get a subpoena or a warrant and force Apple to decrypt the data and turn it over in cleartext.”
Apple said that iMessage Contact Key Verification would let users verify that they were communicating with only the right person. The Security Keys system for Apple ID lets users opt to require a physical security key to sign in to their Apple ID account. And with Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which uses end-to-end encryption for Apple's highest level of cloud data security, users can lock down iCloud data, including iCloud Backup, Photos and Notes.
