backups – SSL and internet security news

Apple Is Finally Encrypting iCloud Backups

December 12, 2022 infossl

apple, backups, cloud computing, encryption, Security technology, Uncategorized

After way too many years, Apple is finally encrypting iCloud backups: Based on a screenshot from Apple, these categories are covered when you flip on Advanced Data Protection: device backups, messages backups, iCloud Drive, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Safari bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, Voice Memos, and Wallet Passes. Apple says the only “major” categories not covered by … Read More “Apple Is Finally Encrypting iCloud Backups” »

Apple Abandoned Plans for Encrypted iCloud Backup after FBI Complained

January 23, 2020 infossl

apple, backups, cloudcomputing, cybercrime, encryption, fbi, Security technology

This is new from Reuters: More than two years ago, Apple told the FBI that it planned to offer users end-to-end encryption when storing their phone data on iCloud, according to one current and three former FBI officials and one current and one former Apple employee. Under that plan, primarily designed to thwart hackers, Apple … Read More “Apple Abandoned Plans for Encrypted iCloud Backup after FBI Complained” »

On Security Tokens

May 1, 2019 infossl

backups, keys, Security technology, securitytokens, twofactorauthentication

Mark Risher of Google extols the virtues of security keys: I’ll say it again for the people in the back: with Security Keys, instead of the *user* needing to verify the site, the *site* has to prove itself to the key. Good security these days is about human factors; we have to take the onus … Read More “On Security Tokens” »

The Future of Ransomware

May 23, 2017 infossl

backups, extortion, internetofthings, malware, nsa, patching, ransomware, Security technology

Ransomware isn’t new, but it’s increasingly popular and profitable. The concept is simple: Your computer gets infected with a virus that encrypts your files until you pay a ransom. It’s extortion taken to its networked extreme. The criminals provide step-by-step instructions on how to pay, sometimes even offering a help line for victims unsure how … Read More “The Future of Ransomware” »

WannaCry Ransomware

May 19, 2017 infossl

antivirus, backups, cybercrime, hacking, internetofthings, ransomware, Security technology

Criminals go where the money is, and cybercriminals are no exception. And right now, the money is in ransomware. It’s a simple scam. Encrypt the victim’s hard drive, then extract a fee to decrypt it. The scammers can’t charge too much, because they want the victim to pay rather than give up on the data. … Read More “WannaCry Ransomware” »

Hackers Threaten to Erase Apple Customer Data

March 23, 2017 infossl

apple, backups, cloudcomputing, crime, cybercrime, extortion, hacking, Security technology

Turkish hackers are threatening to erase millions of iCloud user accounts unless Apple pays a ransom. This is a weird story, and I’m skeptical of some of the details. Presumably Apple has decided that it’s smarter to spend the money on secure backups and other security measures than to pay the ransom. But we’ll see … Read More “Hackers Threaten to Erase Apple Customer Data” »

Apple's Cloud Key Vault

September 8, 2016 infossl

apple, backdoors, backups, cloudcomputing, keys, lawenforcement, Security technology

Ever since Ian Krstić, Apple’s Head of Security Engineering and Architecture, presented the company’s key backup technology at Black Hat 2016, people have been pointing to it as evidence that the company can create a secure backdoor for law enforcement. It’s not. Matthew Green and Steve Bellovin have both explained why not. And the same … Read More “Apple's Cloud Key Vault” »