There were already plenty of reasons to look forward to the next iPhone update, due in early March. But now, Apple has announced something completely unexpected, which will make a huge difference. Get ready for quantum computer protection for iMessage. Seriously.
In a support note issued on February 21, Apple said, “Today we are announcing the most significant cryptographic security upgrade in iMessage history with the introduction of PQ3, a groundbreaking post-quantum cryptographic protocol that advances the state of the art of end-to-end secure messaging.”
If you thought that Apple already had encryption in iMessage, you’d be right. But this takes things to another level. Apple says it will be “the strongest security properties of any at-scale messaging protocol in the world.”
Other services take security seriously, too, with Signal announcing a “post-quantum cryptography security enhancement. Apple welcomed this and has said that this offers level 2 security. Current iMessage security, until iOS 17.4 arrives, manages level 1, in Apple’s view, as does WhatsApp, it says. When iOS 17.4 is out, PQ3, in Apple’s judgement, will reach, you guessed it, level 3 of security.
It will also arrive on other Apple platforms that have iMessage, that is iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.
If you’re wondering where quantum computing comes in, it’s this. It’s thought that in the future, quantum computers will be able to overcome encryption levels available today. Which means that if hackers, for instance, can get hold of images now, they can work out what they said when quantum computers are up to it.
Messaging security levels as defined by Apple.
Apple
Apple says, “A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could solve these classical mathematical problems in fundamentally different ways, and therefore—in theory—do so fast enough to threaten the security of end-to-end encrypted communications. Although quantum computers with this capability don’t exist yet, extremely well-resourced attackers can already prepare for their possible arrival by taking advantage of the steep decrease in modern data storage costs. The premise is simple: such attackers can collect large amounts of today’s encrypted data and file it all away for future reference. Even though they can’t decrypt any of this data today, they can retain it until they acquire a quantum computer that can decrypt it in the future, an attack scenario known as Harvest Now, Decrypt Later.”
Nobody wants their messages seen by others, whether that’s just innocuous nonsense like, “I’m on the bus, home in 20,” detailed business-critical messages or strategic plans sent in the field in a war zone.
Privacy is central to Apple, with the company describing it as a fundamental human right. This kind of security upgrade is to be welcomed and offers real peace of mind.
For an indepth look at the security details, check out fellow Forbes contributor Zak Doffman’s post, here.
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Alex Mitchell is your go-to expert for all things mobile. With a passion for the latest smartphones, apps, and mobile innovations, Alex provides in-depth reviews, insightful analyses, and breaking news about the ever-evolving world of mobile technology. Stay connected with Alex to navigate the fast-paced realm of mobile devices.
