Apple boosts iMessage encryption to thwart future quantum computing attacks from hackers
- The update is designed to fend off attacks from quantum computers, which can perform calculations exponentially faster than traditional machines
- Apple says its new system, PQ3, makes iMessage more secure than WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, QQ, WeChat – or even Signal
The changes will be part of a new system called PQ3, Apple said on Wednesday. It is a more advanced type of encryption that could thwart attacks from quantum computers – still-nascent technology that can perform calculations exponentially faster than traditional machines.
The fear is that these computers could someday have the power and mathematical capabilities to break through today’s tools for encrypting messages.
The new security protocol has already been added to beta versions of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 17.4 and watchOS 10.4, which will roll out to all users in the coming weeks. It will replace the current security protocols for all iMessage chats by the end of the year.
Though hackers do not currently have quantum computers, they could conduct what is known as a “harvest now, decrypt later” attack. That means they steal messaging data today and then use a more advanced computer in the future to break the encryption. Apple said its new system is designed to prevent that.
