January 1, 2017 is the deadline for all Apple developers to begin using Apple’s App Transport Security (ATS) feature, which forces an app to connect to web services over an encrypted HTTP Secure (HTTPS) connection. The news was revealed at a security presentation at Apple’s developer conference WWDC 2016, reports TechCrunch.
HTTPS is a protocol for secure communication over the Internet that is used to protect the privacy of exchanged data and authenticate websites. Mainly, it protects against man-in-the-middle attacks, including digital eavesdropping and tampering.
While it doesn’t guarantee complete security, it’s a much safer version of HTTP, and any users on an HTTPS app or website can feel more confident their data is protected. While some developers may be dragging their feet in instituting ATS, iOS app users will surely enjoy the added security that’s coming their way.
Related reading: Inside Apple’s flagship Union Square, San Francisco Apple Store location [Gallery]
[source]TechCrunch[/source]
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