Title

Apple iOS must have the cloud backup feature disabled. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A cloud backup feature may gather user's information such as PII, or sensitive documents. With this feature enabled, sensitive information will be backed up to the manufacturer's servers and database. This data is stored at a location which has unauthorized employees accessing this data. This data is stored on a server which has an unknown location to the DoD. Disabling this feature mitigates the risk of a backup feature that stores sensitive data on a server which has the ability to be located in a country other than the United States.

Check Content

This check procedure is performed on the iOS Over-the-Air management tool and the iOS device. Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, then the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review. In the iOS Over-the-Air management tool, verify "Allow iCloud backup" is unchecked. For example, in Mobile Iron Admin Portal: 1. Ask the MDM administrator to display the "POLICIES & CONFIGS". 2. Click or tap on the word "Configurations". 3. Click or tap the configuration name. 4. Expand "Details" under "App Setting Details". 5. Verify "Allow iCloud backup" is set to "false". Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowCloudBackup</key> <false/>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file). On the iOS device: 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap "iCloud". 3. Tap "Storage & Backup". 4. Verify "iCloud Backup" is Off. If the "Allow backup" setting in the configuration profile is checked in the iOS Over-the-Air management tool, "<key>allowCloudBackup</key><true/>" appears in the configuration profile, or if iCloud Backup is toggled to the right and appears green on the iOS device, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure Apple iOS to disallow the use of iCloud Backup. In the iOS Over-the-Air management tool, uncheck "Allow iCloud backup". For example, in Mobile Iron Admin Portal, edit the configuration and deselect "Allow backup" under "iCloud".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID:

Vulnerability ID: V-43215

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.