On a phone that means your photos, text conversations, emails and documents.

How does iOS handle encryption?

Apple began encrypting iOS devices in 2014 with the release ofiOS 8.

A total of 84 percent of iOS devices are running iOS 8 or later.

How does iCloud factor in?

Apple’sLegal Process Guidelinesstate iCloud backups are encrypted and stored on the company’s servers.

However, unlike an encrypted equipment, Apple can access information stored within a backup.

What about encryption on Android?

As with all thingsAndroid, there’s a long list of caveats regarding encryption on an Android rig.

It’s the key selling point of Android over iOS, as Android fans are quick to espouse.

And they’re not wrong.

However, each change can introduce unintended security issues outside of Google’s control.

Google first provided the option for users to opt into encrypting their devices in 2011.

For those who want a more technical explanation, read section “9.9 Full-Disk Encryption” ofthis document.

Without that key, neither Google nor law enforcement can unlock a unit.

This is the case whether or not the rig is encrypted, and for all versions of Android."

So how do you know if you’ve got encryption working?

There should be a section titled Encryption that will contain the encryption status of your gear.

If it’s encrypted, it will read as such.

If not, it should read similar to “encrypt unit.”

Google’s backup service for Android devices is optional for machine manufacturers and system developers.

What can you do to better protect your data?

Android users should enable encryption and set a PIN code or alphanumeric passcode.

iOS users, setup Touch ID and use an alphanumeric passcode containing at least six digits.

you might remove backed-up data from Google’s servers under the Android section in yourGoogle Dashboard.