Apple's Built-In Security Tools Explained: What They Do and Don't Protect
1 min read
Summary
Apple products, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs, include security features such as Secure Enclave, FileVault, Gatekeeper, XProtect, Lockdown Mode, and Find My to safeguard user data and privacy.
Secure Enclave, for example, is a secure subsystem that handles sensitive information such as biometric data and encryption keys, preventing it from being backed up to iCloud and thus ensuring Apple cannot access it.
FileVault is Apple’s full-disk encryption feature, which encrypts the entire contents of a hard drive, making the data inaccessible without the correct login credentials.
Gatekeeper only allows trusted software to be installed on a Mac, XProtect scans files for malware, Lockdown Mode limits functionality and blocks some capabilities on devices to reduce attack surfaces, and Find My helps users locate lost or stolen devices.
Despite these features, Apple products are not completely immune to all security threats, such as zero-day exploits, social engineering attacks, and cross-platform threats.
It is important to note that even trusted sources can harbor malware, and social engineering attacks can bypass these protections as they target people rather than devices.
