Apple Soon to Roll Out Stronger Security for iCloud for Hacking Vulnerable Users

JAKARTA - Apple Inc plans to allow users to more strictly lock the photos and notes they store in Apple's iCloud service. Even according to the statement of the iPhone maker on Wednesday, December 7 to log in from a new device requires a physical security key.

The option will appear, along with other security measures for Apple's iMessage chat program. This feature is primarily aimed at celebrities, journalists, activists, politicians and other high-profile individuals who are prime targets for hackers.

The iPhone maker also said that while it is not aware of any breaches to its iCloud servers or iMessage exchange, hacking attempts are on the rise.

U.S. users will be able to enable free Advanced Data Protection for iCloud storage later this year. When turned on, Apple can't help users recover photos, notes, voice memos, and about 20 other types of data if they forget their password. It will expand globally next year.

An option to request entering a security fob onto a new device to access an Apple account is expected to roll out next year. Rival Alphabet Inc's Google also supports the hardware keys, which are certified by industry body FIDO and cost around $25.

In iMessage, conversations between users who enable next year's new Contact Key Verification will receive automatic alerts about unknown devices potentially snooping on the exchange.

Users can manually verify the security of their communications by matching the security code as well. Secure chat services like Signal offer comparable features.