Apple Inc. is increasing the security of its iMessage app.
In a sense, the mentioned solution by the tech giant is what can be described as a preventive measure. In this case, the company takes actions aimed at neutralizing the threat from the future. By improving the security of iMessage, Apple aims to counter advanced quantum computing attacks.
On Wednesday, February 21, the tech giant announced that the announced solutions will be part of a new system called PQ3. In this case, it means a more advanced type of encryption that can counteract attacks from quantum computers, which belong to the category of a kind of nascent technology capable of performing calculations exponentially faster than traditional machines. Currently, there are concerns that the mentioned computers will at some point have the power and mathematical capabilities sufficient to crack modern message encryption tools.
The new security protocol has already been added to the beta versions of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 17.4, and watchOS 10.4, and will be available to users in the coming weeks. By the end of 2024, this security protocol will replace the current solutions for all iMessage chats.
Hackers currently do not have quantum computers. At the same time, they can carry out an attack on the principle of Harvest Now, and Decrypt Later. This means that hackers steal the messaging data and then use a more advanced computer to crack the encryption. Apple said its new system is designed to prevent such crimes.
The warnings about attacks from quantum computers were terrifying and in some ways corresponded to such a symbolic definition as hell on Earth. Executive Director of International Business Machines Corp. Ana Paula Assis said that such attacks would cause Armageddon in the sphere of cybersecurity.
It is worth noting that there are currently many other threats in the digital space. In some cases, hackers carry out unauthorized access to users’ devices. In this case, criminals can get hold of confidential information. To counteract such attacks, a high level of awareness is important. For example, to understand the signs of unauthorized access in the Internet search system, a user can enter the query how do I know if my phone camera is hacked? It is also important to use cybersecurity tools.
As we have reported earlier, Apple Reportedly Develops GenAI Coding Tool.
