Really properly secure backups in your iCloud

Apple has a function that ensures that the backups in your iCloud are really securely protected. This is how you use it.

Secure backups in your iCloud

The Advanced Data Protection function uses end-to-end encryption to offer the highest level of security. This is all you need to know to enable this function and secure the backups in your iCloud.

The use of end-to-end encryption means that the vast majority of your iCloud data can only be decrypted on your trusted Apple devices, on which you are registered with you Apple ID. This way your data will remain safe, even in the case of a data breach in the cloud. In other words, nobody – not even Apple – is possible with your data, except yourself.

Advanced Data Protection

iCloud already protects 14 data categories with end-to-end encryption, including the passwords in the iCloud key ring and your health data. If you call in advanced data protection, the total number will increase to 23 and will also be protected in iCloud.

Advanced data protection is a function that you have to engage yourself. If you lose access to the account, you can only repair your data with the password code or the password of the device, a recovery contact or a recovery key. Before switching on Advanced Data Protection, you first have to update all your devices to the latest software versions.

Enable account recovery on iPhone, iPad and Mac

Before you switch on advanced data protection for securing your backups in iCloud, you must set account recovery. This ensures that you can restore your data when you forget your password.

• Open settings on your iPhone or iPad (or system settings on Mac) and tap your Apple account;
• Tap ‘iCloud’ and scroll down;
• Tap ‘Advanced Data Protection’ and then on ‘Account recovery’;
• Add a recovery contact and set a recovery key.

A recovery contact must be a trusted person, such as a family member or friend who also has an Apple device. They will receive recovery codes if you ever forget your password. If you choose to set a recovery key of 28 characters, you have to print it and save them somewhere safely, or save it in a password manager.

Switch on advanced data protection on iPhone, iPad and Mac

As soon as account recovery has set, you can engage advanced data protection and thereby secure your backups in iCloud. You do it like this:

Your iCloud backups are now protected with end-to-end encryption. You can switch off the function again at any time. If you do that, your device safely uploads the required coding keys to the Apple servers. Your account will then again receive the standard security level.