4 Ways Apple Is Keeping Your Private Data Safe in 2016

Apple has always been at the forefront of the user experience while making their mobile devices, wearable technology, tablets, and computers both look and act marvelously. It is entirely possible to pick out an apple device from a line-up solely based off of its sleek design, careful attention to detail, and high-end features.

But Apple has also been working hard to bring up their security, especially in regards to user privacy. Here are just a few of the things to take note of from Apple in the coming year:

1. Filevault

Now known as Filevault 2 (changed from Filevault to Filevault 2 in OS X Lion) is encryption for your Mac. This free security feature is a big step up from the original, adding full disk encryption. What does that mean for you? For one, it is much tougher for hackers or thieves to retrieve information since your entire Mac is encrypted. Also, there is now a stronger form of encryption known as XTS-AES 128 with the second installment of Filevault.

2. Gatekeeper

An extra layer of security, this tech allows only Mac App Store approved apps to run on your system. Gatekeeper was launched back in 2012 with OS X Mountain Lion, and aimed at helping to reduce both malware and malicious programs from getting access to a user’s Mac. This tech is one of the reasons that Apple has vowed to ramp up security features this year, after a number of sources were able to pick out flaws and gaps in the system.

3. Application Sandboxing

With this tech, you can restrict what apps have access to, such as memory, file system parts, network resources, and so on. As Apple defines it, Sandboxing “helps ensure that apps do only what they’re intended to do.” The security mechanism tests code, applications, and software from third parties in order to minimize threats.

4. Remote Lock & Remote Wipe

A type of Mobile Device Management (MDM) protocol, Remote Lock and Remote Wipe gives a user better control over their device, even if it isn’t in their possession. These functions are an extension of Find My iPhone, and help to protect data that is stored on a user’s mobile device.

These are only a number of security advances that Apple is working on improving for the coming year. It is the company’s way of looking out for the user’s privacy, keeping both you and your computer safe.

Learn More: Apple Might Have Accidentally Revealed a New MacBook During an Interview with ’60 Minutes’