iOS Security Issues : Could The Government Be Working Together With Apple To Spy On Apple Users Through Bypasses in iOS

iOS Security Issues : Could The Government Be Working Together With Apple To Spy On Apple Users Through Bypasses in iOS

Apple has been under a lot of scrutiny after it emerged that they were some allegations in which iOS is able to harvest and provide personal information to the government and its agencies. The company however has since released a statement denying any such activities and providing the steps they are taking to ensure maximum customer data privacy.

Earlier, an iOS hacker named Jonathan Zdziarski said that there were some discovered facts that a number of suspicious background services were ongoing in their operating system that could ultimately gather unsolicited user information. He later presented the findings to the HOPE/X conference in New York as evidence.

Some of these suspicious activities included a bypass in the iOS backup encryption that provides data from the users address book, mailbox, clipboard, notebook, calendar and plenty more. Other issues also included a feature which enabled hackers to install spyware on devices by forging security certificates. This would prove a huge blow since most users use their devices to store personal information as well as transacting online payments.

Apple in response released a statement defending itself and assuring its consumers of their privacy. Apple is constantly rolling out security and privacy patches on its OS. The recent security measure will be seen in the upcoming iOS 8 update in which new features will be introduced. Some of these modifications are Mac address randomization to avoid stores from tracking you down as you walk around shops. Also included is the change from "Always on" to "While-in-Use" location permissions that will prevent apps from tracking you when you don't need them to. Better controls for contacts will be introduced and connections will always be on VPN.

With such measures put into place, such malicious activities may be a thing of the past or at least reduce significantly. We can only hope for the best.

 

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