media key

Part of the encryption key hierarchy. The media key helps ensure quick, secure data wiping of Apple devices. On iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch, it does this by wrapping the metadata on the data volume. Without the media key, file keys are locked away, making files protected with Data Protection inaccessible. On Mac, the media key wraps key material, all metadata, and FileVault data. In both cases, wiping the media key blocks access to encrypted data.