We designed iMessage to use end-to-end encryption, so there's no way for Apple to decrypt the content of your conversations when they are in transit between devices. Attachments you send over iMessage (such as photos or videos) are encrypted so that no one but the sender and receiver(s) can access them.
However, there will be no encryption if an iMessage user sends a text to an Android device. In order to make the distinction clear, Apple placed the encrypted texts in blue bubbles, while the much-maligned SMS messages between iOS and Android are locked in green bubbles.
However, attachments such as video and pictures are not supposed to be disclosed. Law enforcement access to iMessage and WhatsApp's encrypted messages comes through associated cloud services. If the user is backing up messages to iCloud or Google Drive, the backups can be turned over.
iMessage has been central to Apple's wider security challenges over the last year. Sophisticated (read national security level) cyber attacks have been found exploiting its architecture, and Apple has hardened the platform as a result. But there's a much bigger problem that still hasn't been fixed.
The concatenation of the 88-bit and 40-bit values makes a 128-bit key, which encrypts the message with it using AES in Counter (CTR) Mode. The 40-bit value is used by the receiver side to verify the integrity of the decrypted plaintext.
Personal data on Apple phones is encrypted by default whenever the phone is locked with a passcode or Touch ID. The menu option to activate this feature is in a different place, depending on the iOS version. In iOS 8 and later versions, the option is in the Touch ID & Passcode menu in the Settings application.
What does Data Protection or iPhone encryption do for iPhone users. Apple makes use of AES 256-bit encryption for iPhone encryption. 256-bit AES encryption is considered a very strong encryption standard and can provide a great level of security for data stored in your iPhones.
Unless you use unofficial software, iMessages will convert to SMS messages when trying to contact non-Apple users. It relies on a data connection. You can't send iMessages if you don't have access to internet services. Also, iMessages will count against your monthly service data cap.
Security
According to Apple, iMessages are secured with end-to-end encryption (this applies to both text-based and media messages). So even if an iMessage is intercepted, it won't be readable or 'crackable' to the scammer. Note, though, that texts to Android devices are NOT encrypted.
Yes, it's definitely possible for someone to spy on your text messages and it's certainly something you should be aware of – this is a potential way for a hacker to gain a lot of private information about you – including accessing PIN codes sent by websites used to verify your identity (such as online banking).
A recently discovered FBI training document shows that US law enforcement can gain limited access to the content of encrypted messages from secure messaging services like iMessage, Line, and WhatsApp, but not to messages sent via Signal, Telegram, Threema, Viber, WeChat, or Wickr.
You can choose to automatically delete your iMessages from your device after 30 days or a year, or to keep them on your device forever. For your convenience, iMessages are backed up in iCloud and encrypted if you have enabled either iCloud Backup or Messages in iCloud.
Here's what the document says it can access for iMessage: Message content limited. Subpoena: Can render basic subscriber information. 18 USC §2703(d): Can render 25 days of iMessage lookups and from a target number.
iPhones are not the only devices capable of retrieving deleted text messages. You can also do the same on an Android smartphone using other methods. If you own an Android, check out our guide on how to recover deleted Android texts.
The two platforms operate different security: Apple's iMessage is end-to-end encrypted, and while there's less public information on this than with WhatsApp or Signal, it is secure. Google does not—it only encrypts between the device and its server, not end-to-end, although it's reportedly working to address this.
The truth is, the average iPhone offers far more privacy than the average Android smartphone. If you're a casual user who has no interest in installing specialized software but still want to keep your privacy, stick with Apple.
Here are a few things that make iMessages better than standard SMS messages. Encryption: iMessages have end-to-end encryption built in. That means you can send messages without fear of your information being snatched out of the air by hackers and other miscreants. (You should consider adding extra security with a VPN).
iMessage to iMessage communication has other advantages too. Messages are encrypted and the app also displays read and typing notifications. In other words, blue bubble iMessage users benefit from features you might recognize from WhatsApp and other services, while green bubbles do not.
Both iMessages and FaceTime use end-to-end encryption, meaning that from the time the message/video frame leaves your device until it reaches the other device, it's encrypted. Unless Apple has a back door, which seems very unlikely, iMessages and FaceTime are completely safe while in transit.
Why should you turn off iMessage? If you switch from iPhone to Android, you must turn off iMessage. Otherwise, texts from your iPhone friends won't be delivered to your new phone since your number is still registered on iMessage. You will have to create a new group chat with your iPhone friends on your Android phone.
Make sure iMessage is enabled on both iOS Devices. You could check on your device in: Settings > Messages > iMessage. Sometimes you just need to reactivate the iMessage function.
International messaging: Because iMessage uses the Internet, you can message friends and family in other countries who have iPhones without the need for an international data plan. Access on tablets: You don't have to have a phone number to use iMessage. Simply use an iCloud email address to send messages over WiFi.
Apple offers two options to encrypt and protect the data you store in iCloud: Standard data protection is the default setting for your account. Your iCloud data is encrypted, the encryption keys are secured in Apple data centers so we can help you with data recovery, and only certain data is end-to-end encrypted.
iPhones are vulnerable to hacking despite being more secure than Android devices. Hackers can exploit security loopholes in the iOS operating system or third-party apps to gain unauthorized access to your device, steal personal data, or install malware.