Government Can Potentially Hack iPhones Without Backdoors

Recently, Apple dropped its plan to introduce encrypted iCloud backups after FBI complained.

However, it seems that the government does not need to rely on smartphone manufacturers for help with backdoors to access someone’s device when required.

In a series of tests conducted by the National Institue and Standard Technology (NIST) listed at the official website of Homeland Security – it looks like they already have a way to get access to iPhones or other high-end Android devices.

Of course, for law enforcement, it is definitely a good thing.

Also, in a report by Motherboard, Andres Arrieta, (the director of consumer privacy engineering at EFF) mentions that the tests showcase the ability of phone cracking tools used by law enforcement authorities to break into a secure smartphone – which also gives an idea that the government is perfectly capable of accessing terrorists’ devices.

Even though the reports may not be a fit for a common smartphone user to understand how it works, you can still check it out on their official website if you’re curious.

So, the FBI (or similar authorities) warning smartphone manufacturers (like Apple) to avoid robust security features like encrypted iCloud backups does not make sense.

Maybe, they want to make it easier by instructing the smartphone manufacturers? We cannot be too sure about that but we will keep an eye out for an update on this story.

Ankush Das
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: apple, iPhones, Security, Smartphones