Is Universal Clipboard encrypted and how is the data stored in iCloud

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Level 1

8 points

Is Universal Clipboard encrypted and how is the data stored in iCloud

Hi there

Does someone have a deep understanding how the new Universal Clipboard feature works regarding security? The feature is nice but think about you copy a system administrator password from your enterprise password store... This password travels through the whole world and also through servers from Apple... Doesn't make me feel happy 😟.

Who can guarantee that the communication is encrypted and the data stored in iCloud is not used for other purpose?

Thank you and kind regards

Posted on Sep 21, 2016 3:20 AM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,252 points

Sep 22, 2016 10:27 PM in response to zahnd

iCloud security and privacy overview - Apple Support

While not listed here, all other data transmitted to Apple's servers is encrypted in transit and on the server.

I can't offer any advice on whether your transmissions could be intercepted and decoded.

They also unequivocally state they never provide encryption keys to any third-parties. That has been further reinforced with their recent dealings with the FBI.

You'll have to decide for yourself whether you trust what Apple states.

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Answer 2

zahnd Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 22, 2016 10:30 PM in response to Barney-15E

Thank you very much for your answer. This helps a lot. Regarding the iCloud security and privacy overview, in the list of features to which does the Universal Clipboard belong?

Thank you again

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Answer 3

kirkmc

Level 1

50 points

Sep 23, 2016 12:21 AM in response to zahnd

As far as I understand, that data is not store in the cloud. Its only available for devices that are in range of each other. And it auto-deletes after (I believe) two minutes.

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Answer 4

Sep 23, 2016 12:20 AM in response to kirkmc

I believe that Kirk is correct. One of the requisites for UC to work is that bluetooth must be enabled. This does suggest that the data is only being transmitted locally.

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Answer 5

zahnd Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 23, 2016 12:23 AM in response to kirkmc

Hi kirkmc

Thank you. I tested this and it's correct. Communication happens only over bluetooth (or it seems to).

Kind regards

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Answer 6

kirkmc

Level 1

50 points

Sep 23, 2016 12:24 AM in response to zahnd

I think it works like AirDrop; Bluetooth for discovery, and point-to-point wi-fi for the actual data transfer. If you do an AirDrop transfer between two devices, and you have some sort of utility showing network traffic over your wi-fi, you'll see that there's no traffic, since it's not using the actual wi-fi network.

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