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

Question

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

Reply

Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,222 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.

Reply

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

Reply

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.

Reply

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.

Reply

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

Reply

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.

Reply