iCloud Private Relay: Understanding Risks and How It Affects Your Online Experience

iCloud Private Relay is a service introduced by Apple which is turned on by default, that sends your internet traffic through their servers in the same way a VPN would. Given Apples work on protecting privacy and security this seems counter-intuitive, even reckless, but that's the choice they made. 

Why iCloud Private Relay is a Real Risk

1. Shared IP Address

• The same IP address that you are allocated can be used by scammers, hackers, and bots to launch attacks on various services.

1. Poor Reputation

• The reputation of the cloudflare IPs (such as 104.28.40.133) is often poor due to their frequent use in malicious activities.

1. Impact on Services

• Websites, email and portal logins may treat your access with suspicion or block you because they associate the IP with previous incidents of abuse.

Why Cloudflare IPs Are Often Blocked by ISPs

• Cloudflare IPs Reputation: These IPs are frequently associated with spam and other forms of online harassment.
• ISP Filtering Policies: Many ISPs have filtering mechanisms that block suspicious traffic from these IPs, leading to potential disruptions in service.

How to Turn Off iCloud Private Relay on iOS and MacOS

iOS:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap 'iTunes & App Store'.
3. Scroll down to find ‘iCloud’ at the bottom of the screen.
4. Tap on ‘iCloud Private Relay’.
5. Toggle off the switch to disable iCloud Private Relay.

macOS (via System Preferences):

1. Click on the Apple menu and select 'System Preferences'.
2. Click on 'Apple ID' in the top row.
3. In the left-hand panel, click on 'iCloud'.
4. Uncheck the box next to 'Private Relay'.
5. Confirm any prompts to complete the process.

Additional Tips

• Regularly Review Settings: Ensure your settings are up-to-date and secure.
• Stay Updated: Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.
• Use Trusted Services: Where possible, use services that have better security practices and less association with malicious activities.

By understanding these risks and taking steps to mitigate them, you can enhance your online safety while using iCloud Private Relay.