Can macOS viruses / ransomware affect my data on iCloud?

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Level 2

222 points

Can macOS viruses / ransomware affect my data on iCloud?

I've been happily using Apple devices since 1981 with no virus issues at all - and no virus protection, other than what is baked into the many Apple operating systems I've used.

However, I'm wondering... can a virus which affects the data on my Mac, affect my data on iCloud?

Specifically, if my Mac gets hit by ransomware and my data gets encrypted, is my data on iCloud similarly encrypted, and therefore unreadable?

(I suppose I'm wondering if iCloud contains security measures which can recognise attempts by an infected Mac to upload compromised data.)

Thanks.

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Feb 28, 2021 2:38 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

léonie

Level 10

200,531 points

Feb 28, 2021 10:27 AM in response to IanMetz

I could not find any Apple Support document, that addresses your question.

But when I encrypt any of my files myself, the encrypted version will sync with iCloud and also be encrypted in iCloud.

You'd best prepare for an emergency by making regular backups. Time Machine will backup your iCloud files as well, but only, if you are to using "Optimise Mac Storage" with iCloud. If "Optimise Mac Storage is enabled, you need to copy the iCloud Date regularly to a backup drive to save them. Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud - Apple Support

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Answer 2

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

Feb 28, 2021 7:59 AM in response to IanMetz

If a malware is installed the Mac system files can get infected , the applications that are configured with iCloud can be affected , the server has no issues read iCloud security overview - Apple Support

Virus can occur in Mac but in very rare scenarios consult the same with apple support senior care advisors Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

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Answer 3

IanMetz Author

Level 2

222 points

Mar 1, 2021 5:03 AM in response to léonie

Thanks for that Leonie.

I guess I'll stick with overlapping monthly Mac backups which I keep in my car (encrypted!) as well as TimeMachine and Backblaze with version history.

That should keep me covered!

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