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Apple is only end-to-end encrypted until it isn’t though. iCloud Backups are still stored in the clear, solely to enable snooping.
by headmelted 6y ago
Apple is only end-to-end encrypted until it isn’t though.
iCloud Backups are still stored in the clear, solely to enable snooping.
- threeseed 6y agoiCloud Backups are encrypted but just not using the on-device key. Meaning that Apple can decrypt it when they are requested by authorities. https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202303 https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202303
- dividuum 6y agoSounds like clear text with extra steps. Given that iCloud data is stored on third-party services, using crypto is a necessary implementation step, but from the user's point of view it seems mostly irrelevant and isn't really different from storing it in clear-text at Apples servers directly. It's disappointing.
- threeseed 6y agoSecurity is not an area where you want to be sloppy with your choice of words. It is not clear text. It is encrypted and Apple has the key. The reason the distinction is important is that if it were clear text NSA/FBI etc could gain physical access to the servers and read the backups without Apple's knowledge or approval.
- JetSpiegel 6y ago> It is encrypted and Apple has the key. > The reason the distinction is important is that if it were clear text NSA/FBI etc could gain physical access to the servers and read the backups without Apple's knowledge or approval. Where does Apple store the keys? On the very same machines? It's like having a bulletproof lock, and storing the key under the potted plant.
- maxerickson 6y agoDoesn't this also enable restoring to a different device? Most people will want that and not care about the underlying subtleties, so it's not just for the government.