Cyber security expert reacts to Apple's Advanced Data Protection removal: "Ultimately, once a door exists, it’s only a matter of time before it’s found and used maliciously"

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Illustration of a mobiles phones with a shield displaying a lock above it, indicating security.

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Apple has removed its highest level data security tool - 'Advanced Data Protection (ADP)' -  from customers in the UK, after the government demanded access to user data.

Professor Oli Buckley, a Professor in Cyber Security at 麻豆視頻_麻豆直播_麻豆传媒官网, shares his thoughts on the news.

“Apple removing their Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK is a significant move because it takes away the strongest form of security on iCloud, which offered true end-to-end encryption. This meant that not even Apple had any means of viewing your files and photos", said Professor Buckley.

“There is still encryption on Apple devices, things like iMessage and other on-device data encryption still exist, but now data specifically stored in iCloud (which has a huge number of users) will be accessible to Apple and potentially government agencies through legal requests.

“Whenever a ‘backdoor’ exists for one purpose, like law enforcement, there’s always a risk it will be exploited for more malicious purposes. A key factor of end-to-end encryption is that only the communicating parties have the ability to decrypt the content and introducing any special access not only weakens trust in the system, it can also provide an attack vector for cybercriminals.

“Ultimately, once a door exists, it’s only a matter of time before it’s found and used maliciously. Removing ADP is not just a symbolic concession but a practical weakening of iCloud security for UK users.”

To arrange an interview with Professor Buckley, email [email protected].

Notes for editors

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