Apple enforces user data security with new updates

Apple Enforces User Data Security with New Updates

Apple has “you control your data" for a while now, but with these new updates, the data is almost completely the consumers’.

Apple announced eight security updates involving the Apple Watch, Apple maps and location, voice control, and more that will significantly increase the average Apple user’s security. The opening keynote speaker at Monday’s Worldwide Developer Conference showed how these new features will directly influence Apple users, giving them security that Apple competitors like Google and Facebook can't offer.

In addition to the new watchOS health features for the Apple Watch, Apple emphasized that all data the watch collects will stay on the device or in the user’s control. Beside the watch, the data can either be stored on the user’s iPhone or in iCloud, which ensures that the user controls their own privacy.

The second update involved location, as in iOS 13 users will be able to share their location with an app “just once” instead of “only while using the app,” “always," or "never." If an app keeps tracking the user’s location without their knowledge, iOS will notify them. Moreover, apps won’t be able to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to guess the user’s location as they have been able to previously.

The sign-in process will look a bit different with iOS13 as well. Now, users will be able to sign into apps without sharing any of their personal information. If the user wishes, they can even hide their email address from the app. If the app needs to send an email to the user, Apple will generate a random address for each app, and that address will forward to the user’s email. If the user is finished receiving emails from the app, they can easily disable the email address for that app.

The five last security updates involve the Mac, HomeKit security, and Find My. After HomeKit security acquires video footage, it will encrypt it before sending it to iCloud. This ensures that Apple or anyone else can’t view the footage. Find My iPhone and Find My Friends will be consolidated into one app, called Find My. Within this app, a user now can find devices even if they are offline. Voice Control, the Activation Lock, and macOS security will all be available on Macs soon as well. Voice processing will not be sent to the cloud, activation lock will allow you to protect your data by locking down your computer after it has been stolen, and macOS security requires Mac apps to gain permission to access files on your computer. Furthermore, the user will be notified before any app monitors keyboard activity or captures a photo or video on their screen.

About the Author

Kaitlyn DeHaven is the Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.