Is it fully safe to sync sensitive docs (like CC information) with iCloud Drive?

[yellowhelicopter]

Subj.

There is "Desktop & Documents Folders" in the iCloud Drive settings. I'd like to keep a copy of the Documents folder in there, but I have some sensitive docs in the folder and want to be certain there is no chance they could be retrieved by someone else.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

It’s only as good as iCloud encryption and your Apple ID password/settings.

Personally I wouldn’t keep anything sensitive on the cloud like passwords, etc if you’re that type of person that has them all in a spreadsheet. If you’re talking about CC info I’m not sure why you would have CC info numbers and their 3-digit security code’s written down which is the only way someone could really use it.

Regardless, don’t rely on internet strangers to tell you what you can and cannot trust.

 

[maflynn]

and want to be certain there is no chance they could be retrieved by someone else.

That promise cannot be made. Is it likely? No, is it possible? yes.

 

[yellowhelicopter]

f you’re that type of person that has them all in a spreadsheet. If you’re talking about CC info I’m not sure why you would have CC info numbers and their 3-digit security code’s written down which is the only way someone could really use it.

Yep, I'm that kind of person ) I keep them all in a spreadsheet because of a) bad memory b) I need to have opportunity to copy/paste that info when needed, f.e. to enter my bank account, or just to recall a PIN code for a card. I know about Google Pay or Google autofill but it means that the info would be kept externally anyway. iCloud has 2 factor authentication so I don't consider that a risk, at least not bigger risk than using Google Pay etc., just wanted to be sure iCloud data were properly encrypted.

 

[russell_314]

Yep, I'm that kind of person ) I keep them all in a spreadsheet because of a) bad memory b) I need to have opportunity to copy/paste that info when needed, f.e. to enter my bank account, or just to recall a PIN code for a card. I know about Google Pay or Google autofill but it means that the info would be kept externally anyway. iCloud has 2 factor authentication so I don't consider that a risk, at least not bigger risk than using Google Pay etc., just wanted to be sure iCloud data were properly encrypted.

It's like anything with security. There's nothing that's 100%. The credit cards in your wallet are not 100% secure. There's ways people can scan the chips and create a new card. Not to mention old fashioned pickpocketing.

I would say if you have a secure password, that's not Hellokitty123 or something like that and you don't share that password or have malware on your computer then you're probably fine.

Another part of security is assessing risk and deciding should you take a risk. If you're talking about putting full credit card numbers in a spreadsheet on iCloud, my first question would be why? The number is on the card if you need it and you can use the built in features of your Mac to auto fill those numbers when buying stuff online. Even though I say, you're probably fine on the other hand unless you really have a genuine need that couldn't be filled with a different method, I wouldn't recommend it.

Right now I have a scan of my Social Security card on iCloud. Unfortunately businesses in the USA don't always follow proper procedures and my apartment wants a copy of it for the lease. I'm going to delete it, but that's an example of a necessary risk that makes me a little uncomfortable but I'm still taking.

 

[yellowhelicopter]

Another part of security is assessing risk and deciding should you take a risk. If you're talking about putting full credit card numbers in a spreadsheet on iCloud, my first question would be why?

Well, I don't necessarily need to keep that info on iCloud, it's just that the passwords and CC info are naturally in the Documents folder among other things. And I want to have opportunity to access the folder from other device, namely my Android phone via the icloud.com + to keep a copy of the Docs folder in a cloud should something happen with my computer.

PS: BTW, should I wait for some specific time until my notes and contacts are uploaded on iCloud (after turning sync on in the settings)? It's just that the iCloud still doesn't have my notes or contacts from the computer after half an hour.

PPS: Maybe I don't quite get it how the syncing supposed to work, but it seems it doesn't want to upload my existing notes and contacts to iCloud (I'm on macOS 13.0). Maybe it only syncs items in the iCloud section of those applications' side panels and I have to copy items to there in order for them to be synced? Doesn't seem too convenient if so...

 

[ghostinshell]

the real answer is it kinda depends, mostly if your icloud account is 2FA and has decent password probably ok.
if you have lockdown and adp mode on a little more so.