STIGQter STIGQter: STIG Summary: Apple iOS/iPadOS 26 Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 3 Benchmark Date: 13 May 2026:

Apple iOS/iPadOS 26 must not allow backup to remote systems (iCloud).

DISA Rule

SV-278718r1150401_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-278718

Group Title

PP-MDF-333250

Rule Version

AIOS-26-003000

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Install a configuration profile to disable iCloud backup.

Configuration Profile Key: allowCloudBackup

Check Contents

Note: This requirement is not applicable if the authorizing official (AO) has approved users' full access to the Apple App Store for downloading unmanaged (personal) apps and syncing personal data on the device with personal cloud data storage accounts. The site must have an AO-signed document showing the AO has assumed the risk for users' full access to the Apple App Store.

Review configuration settings to confirm iCloud Backup is disabled.

This check procedure is performed on both the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool and the iPhone and iPad.

Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review.

In the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, verify "Allow iCloud backup" is unchecked.

Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowCloudBackup</key> <false/>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file).

On the iPhone and iPad:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap "General".
3. Tap "VPN & Device Management".
4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the iOS management tool containing the policy.
5. Tap "Restrictions".
6. Verify "iCloud backup not allowed" is listed.

If "Allow iCloud backup" is checked in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, "<key>allowCloudBackup</key><true/>" appears in the configuration profile, or the restrictions policy on the iPhone and iPad does not list "iCloud backup not allowed", this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-278718

Documentable

False

Rule Version

AIOS-26-003000

Severity Override Guidance

Note: This requirement is not applicable if the authorizing official (AO) has approved users' full access to the Apple App Store for downloading unmanaged (personal) apps and syncing personal data on the device with personal cloud data storage accounts. The site must have an AO-signed document showing the AO has assumed the risk for users' full access to the Apple App Store.

Review configuration settings to confirm iCloud Backup is disabled.

This check procedure is performed on both the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool and the iPhone and iPad.

Note: If an organization has multiple configuration profiles, the check procedure must be performed on the relevant configuration profiles applicable to the scope of the review.

In the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, verify "Allow iCloud backup" is unchecked.

Alternatively, verify the text "<key>allowCloudBackup</key> <false/>" appears in the configuration profile (.mobileconfig file).

On the iPhone and iPad:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap "General".
3. Tap "VPN & Device Management".
4. Tap the Configuration Profile from the iOS management tool containing the policy.
5. Tap "Restrictions".
6. Verify "iCloud backup not allowed" is listed.

If "Allow iCloud backup" is checked in the Apple iOS/iPadOS management tool, "<key>allowCloudBackup</key><true/>" appears in the configuration profile, or the restrictions policy on the iPhone and iPad does not list "iCloud backup not allowed", this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5723