Apple denies NSA iPhone backdoor

[Brian Miller]

Apple has denied collaborating with the NSA to add a snooping backdoor to the iPhone, insisting that despite allegations that the DROPOUTJEEP program could access large swathes of iPhone content without the user realizing, it is unaware of any

such exploit. New leaks from NSA documents acquired by whistleblower Edward Snowden led to claims earlier this week that the

 denies either facilitating or, indeed, knowing was in operation.NSA had a tool that could access data like text messages, location, and more with ?100-percent success,? something Apple strongly

 

In fact, in a statement given to TechCrunch and AllThingsD, Apple effectively describes the NSA as ?malicious hackers? and says it will work to ?defend? users from any attempts to insidiously access iOS content. The Cupertino company is investigating the allegations, it says.

?Apple has never worked with the NSA to create a backdoor in any of our products, including iPhone. Additionally, we have been unaware of this alleged NSA program targeting our products. We care deeply about our customers? privacy and security. Our team is continuously working to make our products even more secure, and we make it easy for customers to keep their software up to date with the latest advancements. Whenever we hear about attempts to undermine Apple?s industry-leading security, we thoroughly investigate and take appropriate steps to protect our customers. We will continue to use our resources to stay ahead of malicious hackers and defend our customers from security attacks, regardless of who?s behind them? Apple

The original documents did not confirm Apple collaboration, but the suggestion of consistent access was seen by some as indicating some degree of assistance in the underlying architecture of iOS.

Meanwhile there are also lingering questions as to just how recently the NSA supposedly had iPhone access. The leaked paperwork is dated 2008, and there?s obviously no mention of any iOS version beyond 5; the NSA?s DROPOUTJEEP system also apparently required physical access to the iPhone itself for installation.

A remote-installation system was a work-in-progress, according to the leak, but was not functional as of 2008.

[Raa]

Well it's not like they're going to come out and say "Of course they can do it" ...

[pack34]

Lol, of course they deny it. The iPhone is so full of back doors it isn't funny. At least with android and windows phones you can pop the battery out so they can't hijack your camera or microphone

[Depicus]

Lol, of course they deny it. The iPhone is so full of back doors it isn't funny. At least with android and windows phones you can pop the battery out so they can't hijack your camera or microphone

 

Based on some of the stuff coming out this week, taking your battery may well solve nothing. If they were injection moulding RF transmitters into cases years ago you can bet they can slip something inside your battery or phone case by now. 

[Brian Miller]

Lol, of course they deny it. The iPhone is so full of back doors it isn't funny. At least with android and windows phones you can pop the battery out so they can't hijack your camera or microphone

 

What do you mean it's "...full of back doors..."?

I have no idea about this, please can you elaborate?

[pack34]

What do you mean it's "...full of back doors..."?

I have no idea about this, please can you elaborate?

To my knowledge, I don't think there's anything on the phone that isn't accessible to the immediate authorities. I know that the camera, microphone, and GPS data can be grabbed at ease.