FBI Discloses Method to Hack iPhones to US Senators

[Karamjit]

Senators briefed about hack used to break into iPhone

The FBI vs. Apple soap-opera continues with a new episode, this time involving the feds, as reports coming from sources close to the matter reveal that a number of US Senators have been briefed about the method used to break into the San Bernardino iPhone.

The agency managed to hack the iPhone with the help of an undisclosed third-party, but refused to provide information regarding the hack to Apple, preferring instead to keep it secret for the time being and decide whether the company should receive such details after it finalizes the investigation in this case.

Senators finding out about the hack

But in the meantime, it appears that the FBI has already started sharing information about the way it unlocked the device in private briefings with US Senators.

Senator Dianne Feinstein was one of the first to find out about FBI’s method to hack iPhones, reports coming from the National Journal and CNET reveal, but just as expected, absolutely no details are being disclosed.

In case you’re wondering how come Feinstein is getting access to such information, she is the vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and one of the senators who backed regulations that would force phone manufacturers to install backdoors for government access on devices sold in the United States.

In addition to Feinstein, Senator Richard Burr also got access to similar information. He’s also one of the backers of pro-backdoor bills and together with Feinstein, took FBI’s side in the case against Apple, emphasizing that the agency shouldn’t tell Cupertino how it unlocked the San Bernardino iPhone.

“I don't be­lieve the gov­ern­ment has any ob­lig­a­tion to Apple. No com­pany or individual is above the law, and I'm dismayed that any­one would refuse to help the government in a ma­jor terrorism investigation,” Feinstein was quoted as saying.

Apple expects the hack to leak

While the FBI refuses to tell Apple about the method used to unlock the iPhone, the company expects information regarding this hack to leak in the near future. That will be the moment when Apple’s security can develop a patch and then ship it to iPhones in the US, as a hack freely available out there could easily expose its customers.

Without a doubt, the more people find out about the hack, the bigger the chances for the leak to take place, but for the moment, it appears that those who are briefed about it are mostly anti-Apple senators who are very likely to keep everything secret.

Apple hasn’t yet issued a response to news that US senators are being briefed about FBI’s hack, but an official statement is expected to be offered by a company executive sometimes soon.

From: http://news.softpedia.com/news/fbi-discloses-method-to-hack-iphones-to-us-senators-502676.shtml

[davmil]

Apple deserves the same amount of help they offered.

[straycat19]

Ought to add all the employees of Apple to the No Fly list as terrorist supporters.  

 

iPhone  -  Official phone of ISIS

Toyota  -  Official truck of ISIS

Hilary   -  Official Presidential Candidate of ISIS

 

[Pequi]

17 minutes ago, straycat19 said:

Ought to add all the employees of Apple to the No Fly list as terrorist supporters.  

ALL Americans have already been added to the "possible terrorist supporters" list. That's why they gather EVERYONES private data.

From what I've read, not even congress or heads of State are exempt.

They have to allow people to travel, or the petroleum lobbies would kick up a fuss, so "no fly" or "no drive" is out.

Anyone with a grudge uses burner phones and SMS. Without encryption. Trick is to use keyphrases, like:

"Don't forget to feed the cat", "I'll be home Monday at 9pm" or "Pick up the anchovy pizza at Elvis when you come".

One day people will realize it's not about terrorism. It never was.

[CODYQX4]

1 hour ago, straycat19 said:

Ought to add all the employees of Apple to the No Fly list as terrorist supporters.  

 

iPhone  -  Official phone of ISIS

Toyota  -  Official truck of ISIS

Hilary   -  Official Presidential Candidate of ISIS

 

Yeah I love how the most secure phone = terrorist phone and a brand of truck that was very reliable for a cheap price = terrorist assault vehicle. I guess we should all just report people who use door locks and HTTPS as terrorists too.

 

But Hillary should rot in prison I agree with you there.

[pc71520]

22 hours ago, CODYQX4 said:

But Hillary should rot in prison.

I second that.

[Sylence]

4 hours ago, pc71520 said:

I second that.

 

I third that.

but let's not neglect Trump a de facto presidential candidate 

[pc71520]

On 8/4/2016 at 10:07 PM, saeed_dc said:

let's not neglect Trump a de facto presidential candidate 

de facto ?