Apple claims to have the "world's most effective security organization" and here are some of the hard facts Apple engineers disclosed to support their statement.
These were obtained from a document titled "iOS Security," released last September, outlining all the security features an Apple device carries to help users understand that the company does not take personal privacy lightly, be it against hackers or other parties that infringe upon a user's constitutional rights.
System Security
Apple makes sure that all of its devices work efficiently and securely in using all available resources from Apple's software and hardware security protocols.
The protocols include:
Simultaneous software update releases as soon as threats are detected, made possible through the company's self-production of integral parts in an Apple device; |
A secure boot chain wherein device bootup undergoes "cryptographically signed" levels of "trust" that has to be passed before the device starts; |
The Touch ID where an individual's unique fingerprint is used to create another layer of protection, updated regularly over time as the device identifies and registers expanding nodes of authentication through constant fingerprint scans; |
And the Secure Enclave which comes with all A7 and later processors and utilizes a dedicated internal portion of the device, encrypted with codes even Apple is not aware of. |
Encryption And Data Protection
These are the algorithms and components that lock the phone down when unauthorized access is detected to make sure that all private information is kept secure from prying eyes.
Some of these encryption processes include:
A dedicated AES 256 crypto engine that handles all encryption methods to maintain the device's functionality without compromising speed; |
File data protection which applies passkeys generated from the phone's internal mechanics on all data, default or user-installed, and has to be unlocked before data can be accessed; |
A user-inputted passcode which automatically enables data protection and works with various in-built security algorithms, adding another layer of protection only known by the user; |
And Security Certifications and programs for enhanced protection in collaboration with governments and agencies worldwide. |
Privacy Controls
Users can control what other people can access on their phone through the iOS privacy options. Apple writes that they take user's privacy "personally" and has provided a number of features that users may adjust to fit their needs.
These include:
Location services wherein users may decide when apps or services can access their current location and if these apps can use the data for a more personalized Apple use experience; |
And access to personal data in which apps can be prevented from accessing a user's personal information without permission, the iOS also provides restrictive measures to control "data movement" between apps. |
Other security protocols Apple utilizes for its devices are:
- App Security, Apple's systems that make sure apps work according to the company's security standards to avoid any complications with the platform's integrity.
- Network Security, standardized network protocols are followed at all times to ensure that encrypted data stays encrypted over network transmissions and communications.
- Apple Pay, Apple Pay transactions are monitored and maintained according to the company's secure implementation.
- Internet Services, Apple uses a "network-based infrastructure for messaging, syncing and backup."
- Device Controls, aside from encryption and data protection procedures, Apple has features that let users remotely access the device in case it gets lost or stolen.
For a more detailed overview of all these preventive measures and the steps Apple has taken to ensure that its users are protected, check out the iOS Security Guide.
