CUPERTINO, CA – Apple’s security team announced a major breakthrough with the introduction of a new cryptographic protocol called PQ3 to iMessage. The company claims that this advancement will enhance the encryption and defend against potential quantum computing attacks, which may pose a threat in the future. The upcoming release of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4 will incorporate this new protocol. While quantum computing attacks are not yet a widespread threat, Apple aims to proactively prepare for potential future security challenges.

Experts agree that the tech industry needs to start defending against potential quantum computing attacks well in advance. With the introduction of PQ3, Apple’s security team claims that iMessage now ranks at the highest level of security among widely deployed messaging apps, surpassing other popular messaging services like Signal and WhatsApp. The company rebuilt the iMessage cryptographic protocol from the ground up to advance the state of the art in end-to-end encryption.

According to Apple, hackers can store encrypted data obtained today in the hopes of decrypting it once quantum computers become a realistic attack vector. This attack scenario, known as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later,” poses a potential security risk that Apple aims to counter with its advanced cryptographic protocol. In the company’s view, the introduction of PQ3 marks a significant step in protecting user data and ensuring the security of the iMessage platform.

The introduction of PQ3 not only demonstrates Apple’s commitment to enhancing user privacy and security but also reflects the company’s proactive approach to addressing future threats. By surpassing other messaging apps in terms of security, Apple solidifies its stance as a leader in prioritizing user privacy and protection. As the tech industry continues to evolve, Apple’s focus on developing cutting-edge security measures sets a high standard for other companies to follow.