iCloud Advanced Data Protection
The recent updates for Apple Mac - iPhone and iPad offer further privacy protections for data stored and synchronized via iCloud.
The FBI criticized apple for this iCloud Advanced Data Protection as it will make snooping into people’s data impossible for them. Even if Apple is forced to give access to an iCloud account it will still be impossible to read the encrypted data. Decrypting the data that is stored in a user’s iCloud account can only be accessed with the user password and approval on a 2nd device that is logged into the same iCloud account. In short, there is no way to access your iCloud data without the user’s cooperation.
System requirements
You can only use iCloud Advanced Data Protection if all the devices are running the latest version of the operating systems:
iPhone iOS 16.2
iPadOS 16.2
macOS 13.2 (Ventura)
Warning!
If you ignore the warnings while enabling iCloud Advanced Data Protection devices that are not on the required operating system, you will no longer be able to use iCloud!
If you forget your password and have lost the security key or did not set up emergency contacts, you will lose your data for ever.
How to enable iCloud Advanced Security
Apple Desktop and Laptop computers (Macbook - iMac)
Update or upgrade macOS to version 13.2.x or newer
Update or upgrade all your other Apple products that are connected with the same Apple iD (see below)
Open System Preferences
Select Apple iD
Select iCloud
Select enable Advanced Data Protection (bottom of the list)
Invite emergency contacts and verify that they have accepted the invite and/or setup the Recovery Key
Apple iPhone and iPad
Update or upgrade iPhone or iPad OS to version 16.2.x or newer
Update or upgrade all your other Apple products that are connected with the same Apple iD (see above)
Open Settings
Select Apple iD
Select iCloud
Select enable Advanced Data Protection (bottom of the screen)
Invite emergency contacts and verify that they have accepted the invite and/or setup the Recovery Key