Security firm claims it can unlock any iPhone
Despite Apple's big privacy and security boasts, it seems that the data stored on iPhones is still accessible to those who are determined enough to get at it.
Must read: Iridium GO! Turn any smartphone into a satellite phone with internet access
Featured
According to Israeli security firm Cellebrite, a company that works closely with US law enforcement agencies including the FBI and ICE, the company can "bypass or determine locks and perform a full file system extraction on any iOS device," running iOS 7 to iOS 12.3 by using "sophisticated algorithms to minimize unlock attempts."
Cellebrite manufactures and sells its Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED), a tool which is capable of grabbing data from over 20,000 types of smartphones, to law enforcement, government agencies, and the military.
Leaked extraction reports show the depth and breadth of the information that Cellebrite is able to extract from an iPhone, everything from call and chat logs to Wi-Fi networks the iPhone has used.
The company is itself not immune to leaking secrets. It became the subject of a server hack in 2016.
The company also claims to be able to crack open Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, LG and Xiaomi smartphones.
iOS 12.3: How to keep your iPhone safe from hackers and snoopers
See also:
- Don't believe these iPhone Lightning cable myths
- Apple: iPhone batteries are wearing out too quickly, and iOS 13 will offer a possible solution
- Building a $75,000 Windows 10 workstation
- Apple's prices are now just stupid, and we only have ourselves to blame
- AMD teases $749 16-core 'mainstream' Ryzen chip
- How to clear your iPhone's RAM
- iOS 13 and iPadOS: Will your iPhone or iPad run it?