Apple to let users lock down photos, notes

OAKLAND, Calif. - Apple Inc plans to allow users to lock down photos and notes stored on its iCloud service and require a physical security key when logging in from a new device, it said on Wednesday.

The options, along with another security measure, for Apple's iMessage chat program, are aimed at celebrities, journalists, activists, politicians and other high-profile individuals targeted by hackers, the company said.

The iPhone maker said that hackers are increasing, even though they were not aware of breaches to iCloud servers or iMessage exchanges.

By the end of the year, US users will be able to activate the free Advanced Data Protection for iCloud storage. When turned on, Apple can't help users recover photos, notes, voice memos, and about 20 other types of data if they forget their password. The option to require plugging a security fob into a new device to access an Apple account is expected to be introduced next year. Rival Alphabet Inc's Google already supports such hardware keys, which are certified by industry body FIDO and cost about $25.

Conversations between users who enable the new Contact Key Verification next year would receive automated alerts about unrecognized devices potentially snooping on the exchange. By matching up security codes, users can verify their communication is secure. Similar features are offered by secure chat services such as Signal.