Soli

gatorguy said:

jdb8167 said:

rob53 said:

seanismorris said:

This brings up another issue.  Users (businesses) really need alternatives to iCloud.  They’re out there but I don’t think they’ve ever been mentioned on AI.  I’ve used Acronis on servers and PCs and there products have worked well.  They do have a mobile app...

Do you really think that ANY server platform in the US actually has user encryption? They might have system level encryption, like I believe Apple does with iCloud, but unless the user controls ALL the keys this data can be decrypted after the serving of a legal subpoena. Apple does this a whole lot while I imagine other server platforms, AWS, etc., simply make the data they store available to the FBI and NSA. 

Backblaze offers this if you want to take on the effort of maintaining your own keys. Doesn't seem worth the hassle to me.

https://thehackernews.com/2018/10/android-cloud-backup.html

• https://daringfireball.net/linked/2020/01/21/android-encrypted-backups

CloudTalkin said:

Soli said:

CloudTalkin said:

TheCodingArt said:

I understand compromise, but come on. This just makes iCloud a less desirable platform.

How does it make iCloud a less desirable platform?  It's not like Apple is removing encryption from iCloud.  It's never been encrypted and it performs as it always has.  No one is losing any functionality.  You are no less protected than you were before this article was written.  Remember, we're talking about iCloud backups.

Rant: More people need to understand the tech they use.  Half the hand wringing wouldn't exist if we did.  Not picking on you.  Just using your quote as a jump off point.
/end rant

Apple advertises how they're all about privacy and security to *gasp* attract customers that care about privacy and security, and then it comes out that Apple's very own iCloud service doesn't allow for the privacy any and security they expected. You really don't see that as a sticking point for those Cloud users?

Comes out?  What exactly do you mean comes out?  Haven't we always known that iCloud backups weren't encrypted?  We just recently had an article on AI about the biannual transparency report detailing they amount, frequency, and types of data that Apple shares.  What did everyone think they were sharing?

Afaik, iCloud backups have never been encrypted and Apple has said they weren't encrypted from the beginning.  Has everyone just ignored that and relied on Apple's marketing for their information? People who take Apple's marketing as fact and make additional assumptions based on that marketing... yeah, not really seeing what you seem to be seeing.  Apple's marketing does what marketing is supposed to do: make their products seem desirable.  It's effective but it shouldn't replace a person's desire for actual facts.  

If people were so concerned about privacy and security, wouldn't they take the time to understand what that privacy and security entails?  Kinda seems some are more enamored with the idea and marketing of privacy and security than the actual thing, and they get upset when real reality doesn't dovetail with their version of reality.

Literally nothing has changed.  Apple has done nothing different.  The only thing different is some have more information than they had before.  Info that has always been available.

• https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202303

GeorgeBMac said:

bageljoey said:

yojimbo007 said:

racoleman29 said:

Come on Apple...let's do USB-C this year too. Fingers crossed.

Yes, yes and yes !
Why isn’t  it already ? 

Because you know the complaining from the general public will be front page news for two weeks...

... And justifiably so...
The general, non-technical public doesn't give a damn about technology or trying to keep up with it.   It is only concerned with:  "What does this thing do for me?".   Not only does USB-C do nothing for them but instead means they have to buy a bunch of new charging cords.  So no, they won't be happy.  

GeorgeBMac said:

sflocal said:

zinkdifferent said:

lkrupp said:

racoleman29 said:

Come on Apple...let's do USB-C this year too. Fingers crossed.

Why? Because it’s the current “standard”? Because everybody else uses it? What makes it a must-do-or-else for you?

Exactly - the obsession with a switch to USB-C is just another manifestation of “I want it because it’s new”, while not actually spending any time thinking thinking of the ramifications (or why USB-C would be a terrible choice for iPhone, aside from bringing about zero benefits).

While I prefer the durability of the lightning connector, it’s generally known that the reason Apple went to lightning is because USBc was not out yet and they had to get off that horrible 30-pin adapter.

well it’s out now and truth be told, it’s time for USBc to be the de facto connector.  It’s already in the iPad, it’s on Macs now.  It just makes sense.  Sure, people will complain like they did the old connectors, but in the end it will be better.

So Apple should chase after the latest fad connector?

From serial to parallel to USB-A to USB-mini ... and now ...  drum roll ...  USB-C ....

I would suggest instead of chasing after the latest "standard" that Apple continue basing their choice on that which best serves the needs of its general consumer base -- who doesn't much care what the latest standard is...   But they do have a bunch of lightening connectors laying around their home and automobile.

Perhaps the question should be:   How much longer till wireless charging and headphones are cost effective and pervasive and does Apple need to introduce an intermediary connector till then?

anantksundaram said:

Assuming this is true — which is not necessarily a good assumption — it is a bit troublesome that Apple’s vaunted privacy/security protocols are regularly getting violated by third-party nothings. 

• https://blog.malwarebytes.com/security-world/2018/03/graykey-iphone-unlocker-poses-serious-security-concerns/