Our attitude is security is an architecture, said Apple platform security manager Dallas De Atley, adding, Its not something you sprinkle over your code when its done.

In a description of how secure boot processes work, De Atley pointed out that firmware in each iOS device is digitally signed by Apple as part of the manufacturing process. But thats just the start of a certificate encryption-based system Apple uses to try and prevent its products from becoming exploited if vulnerabilities are discovered and need to be remedied. Encryption is also embedded to enable users to take advantage of classes of encryption on their devices, according to De Atley.

By hitting a lock button, users can ensure their mail messages are encrypted at rest on the device, said De Attley. Files can also be automatically encrypted and not opened until a user enters a passcode.