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Apple Adds Controversial Security Feature to iPhones

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By LTC Steven Howard, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Contributor, InCyberDefense

In the ongoing debate over privacy versus security, Apple has made it clear which side of the fence the company belongs. In 2016, Apple refused to comply with a request from the FBI to help unlock the iPhone of Rizwan Farook, the San Bernardino gunman who killed 14 people in 2015.

In Apple’s newest software update, released on Monday, the new feature prevents anyone from accessing locked phones’ data from the lightning port.

Lightning Port Common Method of Bypassing Security on iPhones

Some hackers, as well as numerous law enforcement agencies including the FBI, utilize devices designed to access data through an iPhone’s lightning port. This bypass method works even if the iPhone is locked with a passcode.

Law enforcement commonly uses devices like the GrayKey box, designed by Atlanta-based security company Grayshift, to unlock iPhones. This new software update from Apple allegedly makes these devices obsolete. However, according to a recent report from Motherboard, Grayshift claims it has already found a workaround to Apple’s solution.

The technological battle between the privacy of law-abiding customers and law enforcement investigations continues.

Wes O'Donnell

Wes O’Donnell is an Army and Air Force veteran and writer covering military and tech topics. As a sought-after professional speaker, Wes has presented at U.S. Air Force Academy, Fortune 500 companies, and TEDx, covering trending topics from data visualization to leadership and veterans’ advocacy. As a filmmaker, he directed the award-winning short film, “Memorial Day.”

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