Cybersecurity Tag

Apple introduces Advanced Security features

Apple introduced three advanced security features focused on protecting against threats to user data in the cloud, representing the next step in its ongoing effort to provide users with even stronger ways to protect their data. With iMessage Contact Key Verification, users can verify they are communicating only with whom they intend. With Security Keys for Apple ID, users have the choice to require a physical security key to sign in to their Apple ID account. And with Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which uses end-to-end encryption to provide Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, users have the choice to further protect important iCloud data, including iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes, and more.

As threats to user data become increasingly sophisticated and complex, these new features join a suite of other protections that make Apple products the most secure on the market: from the security built directly into our custom chips with best-in-class device encryption and data protections, to features like Lockdown Mode, which offers an extreme, optional level of security for users such as journalists, human rights activists, and diplomats. Apple is committed to strengthening both device and cloud security, and to adding new protections over time.

iMessage Contact Key Verification

Apple pioneered the use of end-to-end encryption in consumer communication services with the launch of iMessage, so that messages could only be read by the sender and recipients. FaceTime has also used encryption since launch to keep conversations private and secure. Now with iMessage Contact Key Verification, users who face extraordinary digital threats — such as journalists, human rights activists, and members of government — can choose to further verify that they are messaging only with the people they intend. The vast majority of users will never be targeted by highly sophisticated cyberattacks, but the feature provides an important additional layer of security for those who might be. Conversations between users who have enabled iMessage Contact Key Verification receive automatic alerts if an exceptionally advanced adversary, such as a state-sponsored attacker, were ever to succeed breaching cloud servers and inserting their own device to eavesdrop on these encrypted communications. And for even higher security, iMessage Contact Key Verification users can compare a Contact Verification Code in person, on FaceTime, or through another secure call.

Pic courtesy: apple.com

Security Keys

Apple introduced two-factor authentication for Apple ID in 2015. Today, with more than 95 percent of active iCloud accounts using this protection, it is the most widely used two-factor account security system in the world that we’re aware of. Now with Security Keys, users will have the choice to make use of third-party hardware security keys to enhance this protection. This feature is designed for users who, often due to their public profile, face concerted threats to their online accounts, such as celebrities, journalists, and members of government. For users who opt in, Security Keys strengthens Apple’s two-factor authentication by requiring a hardware security key as one of the two factors. This takes two-factor authentication even further, preventing even an advanced attacker from obtaining a user’s second factor in a phishing scam.

Pic courtesy: apple.com

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

For years, Apple has offered industry-leading data security on its devices with Data Protection, the sophisticated file encryption system built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac. “Apple makes the most secure mobile devices on the market. And now, we are building on that powerful foundation,” said Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of Security Engineering and Architecture. “Advanced Data Protection is Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, giving users the choice to protect the vast majority of their most sensitive iCloud data with end-to-end encryption so that it can only be decrypted on their trusted devices.” For users who opt in, Advanced Data Protection keeps most iCloud data protected even in the case of a data breach in the cloud.

iCloud already protects 14 sensitive data categories using end-to-end encryption by default, including passwords in iCloud Keychain and Health data. For users who enable Advanced Data Protection, the total number of data categories protected using end-to-end encryption rises to 23, including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos. The only major iCloud data categories that are not covered are iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar because of the need to interoperate with the global email, contacts, and calendar systems.

Enhanced security for users’ data in the cloud is more urgently needed than ever before, as demonstrated in a new summary of data breach research, “The Rising Threat to Consumer Data in the Cloud,” published today. Experts say the total number of data breaches more than tripled between 2013 and 2021, exposing 1.1 billion personal records across the globe in 2021 alone. Increasingly, companies across the technology industry are addressing this growing threat by implementing end-to-end encryption in their offerings.

Pic courtesy: apple.com

For more information and to develop iOS Mobile Apps, Hire iOS Developer from us as we give you a high-quality product by utilizing all the latest tools and advanced technology. E-mail us any clock at – hello@hkinfosoft.com or Skype us: “hkinfosoft”.

To develop iOS Mobile Apps, please visit our technology page.

Content Source:

1. apple.com

Top Web 3.0 Trends for 2023

The term “Web 3.0 or Web3” was coined in 2014 by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood, and the idea gained interest in 2021 from cryptocurrency enthusiasts and large tech companies.

Web3 is still evolving and being defined, as such, there is not an established and universally accepted definition. Yet, Packy McCormick, an investor who helped disseminate Web3, has defined it as “the internet owned by the builders and users, orchestrated with tokens.”

The concept of Web3 can be both puzzling and vague, and to help provide an understanding, here is a quick review of the evolution of the internet over the years:

Web 1.0 — The Static Web (around 1990–2005). It was made of read-only webpages that, by and large, lacked much in the way of interactive features. Content generation was limited, and information was hard to find.

Web 2.0 — The Dynamic Web ( from around 2004 ). Made of new software applications built on the web. Most of the value is generated from companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

The vision of Web3 tends to be a more democratic version of today’s online and digital works, where Web3platforms could give creators and users a way to monetize their activity and contributions. For example, PIXIE a crypto version of TikTok or Instagram rewards all social interactions with cryptocurrency PIX, which is called “social content mining.

Pic courtesy: medium.com

There are many different paths to the evolution of Web3, but industry opinion leaders often suggest the following characteristics to help define Web3:

• Semantic Web: Enhanced web technologies that allow users to create, and share a link material through search and analysis. The search and analysis capabilities with Web3 would focus more on understanding the meaning of words and the context behind them.
• Decentralized: Unlike Web 1.0 and Web 2.0, where governance and application were largely centralized (think about Facebook/Meta), Web3 will be decentralized, with all applications and services enabled by a distributed approach where there is not a central authority.
• 3D Graphics or Metaverse:Some tech experts refer to Web3 because of its potential to create a new level of immersion and interaction between the physical and virtual world or metaverse. Pioneering applications are being seen across all industries from gaming, health, real estate, and e-commerce.
• Artificial Intelligence: The combination of semantic capabilities and AI will allow significant improvements to understand a multitude of data and provide faster and more relevant results (e.g., climate prediction or human-based corrupt practices such as biased product reviews).

Other features of Web3 include Ubiquity (i.e., anywhere/everywhere), Blockchain (i.e., decentralized ledger), and edge computing.

Key trends of Web3 in 2023

As Web3 embraces these features, and continues to use blockchains, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs to give power back to the users in the form of ownership, we continue to see many companies supercharging their brands with this technology.

Here are some of the key Web3 trends to look out for in 2023.

Industry to increase emphasis on cybersecurity

Web3 offers several benefits for users, such as data ownership, transparency, and fewer intermediaries, but it raises concerns with novel security threats. Some examples include smart contract logic hacks, crypto-jacking, rug pulls, and ice phishing.

Along with cryptocurrencies, NFTs have also become an increasingly popular target for scammers.

Pic courtesy: medium.com

With the growing concerns in the field, a number of start-ups are growing on developing security, data, monitoring, and storage solutions for Web3, and this trend is observed by a growing number of industry investments:

• Immunefi: a bug bounty and security services platform for DeFi has raised $24 million as part of its Series A.
• CertiK: a leadingWeb3 security company raised $88 million earlier this year in its Series B3 financing round.
• Halborn: a cybersecurity firm serving both traditional finance and blockchain-based clients raised $90 million in its Series A financing round.

More investments and emphasis to make the Web3 experiences as secure as possible will help reduce scams and also make companies more comfortable in investing in Web3-related projects.

Market growth will be driven by Metaverse investments and M&A deals

The Web3 space will continue to attract investments driven by two forces: metaverse-related projects and metaverse mergers and acquisitions deals.

There are several reasons which drive interest from both investors and brands:

• Growing focus on integrating digital and physical worlds using mixed reality(MR), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).
• Metaverse has the potential to elevate several industries in numerous ways, such as manufacturing (e.g., digital prototypes), hospitality & tourism (e.g., preview and elevate customer experiences) and healthcare (e.g., accelerate disease assessment and treatment).
• High penetration rate of users from gaming, content creation, social interaction, learning, and training.
• Transform e-commerce and customer experience.

As a result, various end-user players such as Meta, Gucci, Nike, Starbucks, and Adidas are entering the metaverse in different ways to experiment with different ways to elevate the internet experience with customers.

Starbucks is set to launch a Web3-enabled loyalty program and a non-fungible token (NFT) platform that allows customers to earn and buy digital assets that unveil exclusive experiences and rewards.

Pic courtesy: medium.com

As the metaverse and NFTs continue to soar, more M&A opportunities will emerge to accelerate building immersive experiences and help to build large-scale communities underpinned by engaging content. Gaming is one of the biggest bets.

Pic courtesy: medium.com

For more information and to develop web applications using JavaScript, Hire React Developer from us as we give you a high-quality product by utilizing all the latest tools and advanced technology. E-mail us any clock at – hello@hkinfosoft.com or Skype us: “hkinfosoft”.

To develop custom web apps using JavaScript, please visit our technology page.

Content Source:

1. medium.com