Apple Strengthens IMessage Protection Against Quantum Computing Threats

JAKARTA - Apple is rolling out an upgrade to its iMessage messaging platform to defend itself against future encryption breaking technologies. The new protocol, known as PQ3, is another sign that the US technology company is preparing to face possible future breakthroughs in quantum computing that can make users' communication protection methods obsolete today.

"More than just replacing existing algorithms with new ones, we are rebuilding iMessage's cryptographic protocol from scratch," wrote an Apple blog post published on Wednesday, February 21. "This will completely replace the existing protocols in all supported conversations this year."

Cupertino, California-based iPhone makers say their encryption algorithms are the most sophisticated and that until now they have found no evidence of successful attacks on them. However, government officials and scientists fear that the arrival of quantum computers, advanced machines that take advantage of the nature of subatom particles, suddenly and dramatically can weaken such protection.

Late last year, a Reuters investigation explored how the United States and China were racing to prepare for the moment, called "Hari Q," either by pumping money into quantum research or by investing in a new encryption standard known as post-quantum computing cryptography.

Washington and Beijing have accused each other of allegedly eavesdropping on large amounts of encrypted data in preparation for Q-Day, an approach sometimes called "captured now, cracked later."

"Initial planning is important," said the US cybersecurity watchdog, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, in a 2022 anniversary. "Perpetrators of cyber threats could be eyeing today's data that still needs protection in the future."

Apple's blog post said PQ3 used a series of new technical security measures and overlapping aimed at closing the gap.

Michael Biercuk, founder and chief executive of quantum technology company Q-CTRL, said that the fact that Apple is publicly strengthening its defenses constitutes a "self-confidence voice" in the idea that advanced computers one day could destroy existing protections.

Thus, Apple's move shows awareness of realistic threats and its preparations are active to deal with them.