The recent release of a stash of classified NSA documents revealed that the agency can easily bug iOS devices, exploiting backdoors in iPhone handsets. Apple has now stated that it has never worked with NSA to create any such backdoors and as such, is absolutely unaware of them.
NSA apparently makes use of ‘DROPOUTJEEP‘, a ready program equipped with a number of hardware and software tools, which can be used to install spyware on any iPhone that can be physically accessed by the agency. According to the documents leaked, the program ensures 100% surveillance of an iOS devices’ communications once it is installed on the device. It is able to intercept emails, turn on microphone and camera, copy and upload contacts list and do a lot more.
As soon as the document was leaked on the web, it spread like wildfire with many speculating that Apple must have colluded with NSA to develop such backdoor exploits. For many, it was hard to believe that while NSA can easily exploit the reported backdoors, Apple is completely unaware of them.
Responding to these speculations, Apple has now dished out a statement which 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.”
The company further claims that as soon as any attempts are made to undermine the security of Apple devices, it starts investigating the matter rigorously so as to “stay ahead of malicious hackers and defend our customers from security attacks, regardless of who’s behind them.”
Source: All Things D
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