February 22, 2024 at 11:51AM
Apple announced a new post-quantum cryptographic protocol, PQ3, to be integrated into iMessage for enhanced security against future quantum computer threats. Described as groundbreaking and having the strongest security properties, PQ3 combines Kyber and ECC to achieve Level 3 security. The support for PQ3 is expected to roll out with upcoming iOS and macOS updates.
The meeting notes highlight Apple’s introduction of a new post-quantum cryptographic protocol called PQ3, aimed at securing its iMessage platform against potential attacks from practical quantum computers in the future. This protocol is described as having “Level 3 security,” surpassing existing widely deployed messaging apps in terms of protocol protections. It combines Kyber and ECC and aims to achieve Level 3 security, with support expected to roll out in the upcoming iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4 updates.
The discussion also touched on Apple’s decision to bring Rich Communication Services (RCS) to its Messages app later this year and the tech giant’s commitment to improving the security and encryption of RCS messages. It is important to note that while RCS does not implement E2EE by default, Google’s Messages app for Android uses the Signal Protocol to secure RCS conversations.
Additionally, the meeting notes highlighted potential future quantum computing threats to end-to-end encrypted communications and discussed the need for advanced protections to extend beyond iMessage to include RCS messages.
Overall, the key takeaways from the meeting are Apple’s proactive approach to enhancing the security of its messaging platforms against potential quantum computing threats, its plan to implement post-quantum cryptography through the PQ3 protocol, and its commitment to improving the security and encryption of RCS messages.