Airport Time Capsule: Is Your Data Safe?

The security of the Airport Time Capsule has been a topic of discussion and concern for many users. While it offers encryption and password protection for sensitive data, there are vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise the device. For instance, it has been noted that the Airport Time Capsule is not capable of using up-to-date WPA3 security settings, which makes it outdated in terms of security standards. Additionally, there have been reports of first-generation Time Capsules failing after 18 months due to power supply issues, raising questions about the reliability of the device.

Furthermore, the Airport Time Capsule is vulnerable to ransomware attacks. If a laptop connected to the device is infected with ransomware, it could infect the Time Capsule as well, rendering the backups useless. While there are measures to enhance security, such as creating CD/DVD/Blu-Ray backups or using online backup services, the ease of access to data on the Time Capsule remains a concern. Ultimately, while the Airport Time Capsule offers some security features, it may not provide sufficient protection for highly sensitive information.

Is Airport Time Capsule vulnerable to ransomware?

The Airport Time Capsule is vulnerable to ransomware. If a laptop that uses the Time Capsule for backups is infected with ransomware, the Time Capsule will also be infected, rendering the backups useless. This is because the Time Capsule is network-connected and the Time Machine content is as vulnerable as the content on the laptop.

However, there are ways to protect against ransomware. Apple security is strong, making it difficult to hack a Mac. Additionally, there are two ways to encrypt backups. First, the Time Capsule allows users to encrypt the disk, meaning that the disk can only be mounted by the device if the correct password is provided. Second, data stored on the Time Capsule can be encrypted, meaning that although others might be able to see the backup volume, they won't be able to read it without the password.

Other countermeasures include regularly creating CD/DVD/Blu-Ray backups and using an online backup service that stores multiple versions of files.

What are the encryption options?

The Time Capsule offers two ways of encrypting backups. Firstly, you can encrypt the disk, which requires a password to be accessed if the disk is removed from the Time Capsule. Secondly, you can encrypt the data stored on the Time Capsule as a volume. This is a setting on your computer that can be applied to Time Machine backups and other volumes stored on the network drives or elsewhere. This data can only be decrypted with a password. The data is encrypted and decrypted on your computer, and although others may be able to see your backup volume, they will not be able to read it.

Time Machine uses the same encryption as FileVault 2, Kerberos, Keychain Services, and Software Update Services. This is XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key.

To enable FileVault on Time Machine backup drives, go to System Preferences, select Time Machine from the main System Preferences window, then choose 'Select Disk' from the Time Machine window. From the slide-down menu, select your backup disk, check the box labelled 'Encrypt backups' and click 'Use Disk'. You will then be prompted to create a password for the backup disk.

It is important to note that the whole disk encryption process can take a long time (approximately 5 hours for every 250GB).

What are the password options?

The AirPort Time Capsule offers a few different password options, depending on your needs.

Firstly, you can encrypt the disk. This means that if the disk is removed from the Time Capsule, it cannot be read without the password. This is a local encryption and does not protect your data from being compromised on the Time Capsule itself.

Secondly, you can encrypt the data stored on the Time Capsule. This is a setting on your computer, and it can be applied to any volume stored on the network drives or elsewhere. This data is encrypted and decrypted on your computer, and the password is required to decrypt it. This means that even if someone can see your backup volume, they will not be able to read its contents.

If you forget your Time Capsule or network password, you can reset it. To do this, you will need to press and hold the reset button on the Time Capsule for one second, using something pointed like a ballpoint pen. This will give you five minutes to access the Time Capsule without a password, during which time you can update your password.

It is important to note that if you have encrypted your backup and forgotten the password, you will not be able to retrieve your data. Performing a hard or factory reset on the Time Capsule will not delete any backups, so you can start over without losing your files.

What are the security issues with an Airport Time Capsule?

The Airport Time Capsule is a wireless router that was sold by Apple Inc. from 2008 to 2018. It features network-attached storage (NAS) and a residential gateway router, and is one of Apple's AirPort products. While the Airport Time Capsule offers several benefits, there are also some security issues that users should be aware of.

One of the main security concerns with the Airport Time Capsule is its vulnerability to ransomware. If a laptop connected to the device is infected with ransomware, there is a risk that the backup data on the Time Capsule could also be encrypted and rendered useless. This is because the Time Capsule is network-connected, and while it may not have the necessary processor or software to be specifically targeted, it could still be vulnerable to certain types of ransomware attacks.

Additionally, the Airport Time Capsule has been found to have issues with outdated security measures. For example, it does not support up-to-date WPA3 settings, which are important for ensuring the security of wireless networks. This means that while the Time Capsule may still "work" for a simple network, it is not as secure as more modern routers.

Another security issue with the Airport Time Capsule is the potential for physical access by unauthorised users. If someone has physical access to the device, they can perform a soft, hard, or factory reset, which would allow them to change the passwords and gain access to the data stored on the Time Capsule. This is a significant vulnerability, especially in situations where multiple people have access to the device or it is not properly secured.

Furthermore, there have been reports of certain first-generation Time Capsules failing after 18 months due to issues with the power supply. While Apple offered free repairs or replacements for affected units, this issue could potentially leave users vulnerable to data loss or security breaches if they are not aware of the problem and take the necessary steps to address it.

To enhance the security of the Airport Time Capsule, users can enable encryption for their backup data. This adds an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for unauthorised individuals to access the information stored on the device. However, it is important to note that encryption can increase the time required for backups and that losing the encryption password could make it impossible to recover the data.

What are the alternatives to Airport Time Capsule?

The Apple AirPort Time Capsule is a simple router with a built-in hard drive designed for Time Machine backups from Mac computers. It was discontinued in 2018 and has not had hardware updates since 2014. As such, it is not capable of using up-to-date WPA3 security settings.

• Asus AC2900 Wi-Fi Router (RT-AC86U): One of the fastest routers on the market with features including network storage and Time Machine support for under $200.
• D-Link Exo AC2600 Wi-Fi Router (DIR-882): A fast router with two USB ports for network storage and great Wi-Fi coverage for a medium to large home, retailing at $150.
• Netgear Orbi AC3000 Mesh Wi-Fi System: A two-unit mesh Wi-Fi system that provides coverage for up to 5,000 square feet. You will need a network-attached storage (NAS) device to perform backups.
• Netgear Nighthawk (XR500) AC2600 Wi-Fi Router: A gaming router with two USB 3.0 ports that support network storage. It also performed well in data transfer tests.
• Synology RT2600ac AC2600 Wi-Fi Router: An affordable and fast router with lots of options for backup and storage, made by a company that specialises in NAS devices.
• TP-Link Archer C3150 V2 AC3150 Wi-Fi Router: This router will give you lots of speed and customisation options for only $200. It also offers two USB ports for network storage and Time Machine support.
• Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System: The first and only third-party mesh Wi-Fi router that Apple sells, covering 6,000 square feet. It can be connected to the Apple AirPort Express, Extreme or Time Capsule, but it is expensive at around $500 for a three-pack.

Other options include:

• Using a modern Wi-Fi router with a USB3 port to attach an external storage drive, such as the TP-Link WiFi 6 Router, AX3000 Dual-Band WiFi Router with Samsung T7 Shield, Portable External Solid-State Drive, Black, 1TB.
• Purchasing a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, such as the Synology DS120J or DS220J. This will require buying storage separately and a Wi-Fi router.
• Replacing the hard drive in your existing AirPort Time Capsule.

Frequently asked questions