Ten-year protection: Apple has implemented a third-level post-quantum encryption method in iMessage
Most modern messengers, such as Telegram and WhatsApp, use an end-to-end encryption method. This is the first level of encryption. Currently, there are no openly available computers capable of decrypting this kind of chat, but it will become possible in the future with the help of quantum computers.
Experts believe that the capabilities of quantum computers will only be uncovered in about 10 years. Nevertheless, some companies are already preparing for this, protecting user correspondence with more advanced encryption methods, since hackers are already collecting user data to decrypt them in the future using quantum computers.
For instance, last fall the secure messenger Signal implemented a second-level encryption method. This already belongs to the class of post-quantum encryption (PQC). This kind of protection creates a special decryption key on the device, which helps resist quantum computers. However, this correspondence can also be decrypted if the key is compromised.
Apple has gone even further, announcing post-quantum third-level encryption (PQ3) for iMessage. This protection not only creates a decryption key, but also continuously changes it.
iMessage with PQ3 protection has already become available in the latest beta versions of iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4. The full release of these updates will be in March. Nothing will change for users: iMessage will remain the same messenger on the outside, but “under the hood,” it will have an altogether new level of security.
