Tomas Chlebek In light of the recent and ongoing public debate about data encryption, it is worth mentioning the option to encrypt iOS device backups, which is very easy to set up and activate.
iOS devices are mostly (and originally) set to backup to iCloud (see Settings > iCloud > Backup). Although the data is encrypted there, Apple still has, at least theoretically, access to it. In terms of security, it is therefore safest to back up your data to a computer, to a special external drive, etc.
The advantage of encrypted backups of iOS devices on the computer is also the greater number of types of data that the backups contain. In addition to classic items such as music, movies, contacts, applications and their settings, all remembered passwords, web browser history, Wi-Fi settings and information from Health and HomeKit are also stored in encrypted backups.
The magazine drew attention to how to create an encrypted backup of an iPhone or iPad iDropNews.
1 step
Computer backup encryption is controlled and performed in iTunes. After you connect your iOS device to your computer with a cable, iTunes will most likely launch itself, but if not, launch the app manually.
2 step
In iTunes, click the icon for your iOS device in the upper left part of the window, below the playback controls.
3 step
An overview of information about that iOS device will be displayed (if not, click "Summary" in the list on the left side of the window). In the "Backups" section, you will see whether the device is being backed up to iCloud or to a computer. Under the “This PC” option is what we’re looking for – the “Encrypt iPhone Backups” option.
4 step
When you tap this option (and you haven't used it yet), a password setup window will pop up. After confirming the password, iTunes will create a backup. If you then want to work with it (e.g. upload it to a new device), iTunes will ask for the set password.
5 step
After creating a backup, check that it is really encrypted to be sure. You can find this in the iTunes settings. On Mac it is available in the top bar by clicking on "iTunes" and "Preferences...", on Windows computers also in the top bar under "Edit" and "Preferences...". A settings window will pop up, in which select the "Device" section at the top. A list of all iOS device backups on that computer will be displayed - encrypted ones have a lock icon.
Tip: Choosing a good password is of course just as important for maximum security as data encryption itself. The best passwords are random combinations of upper and lower case letters and symbols with a length of at least twelve characters (eg H5ěů“§č=Z@#F9L). Easier to remember and very difficult to guess are also passwords containing ordinary words, but in a random order that does not make grammatical or logical sense. Such a password should have at least six words (e.g. box, rain, bun, wheel, so far, thought).
What's this weird iTunes skin you have? Or in general? It would go well with a gold MacBook ;)