Secret Meeting Reveals How to Break Apple

Secret Meeting Reveals How to Break Apple's Security

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Mar 11, 2015

Jamboree, a large celebration or party, typically very lavish and boisterous, is the name given to the secret annual meeting of security researchers who have been working with the CIA. These researchers gather to share their tactics and strategies for exploiting security flaws in household and commercial-grade electronics. And, The Intercept just happened to obtain some top-secret documents in which they report that one of the goals of the meeting was to determine how to break the security of Apple’s iPhones and iPads.

So, what exactly were these researchers getting boisterous about while I assume sipping on 100-year-old wine and snacking on gourmet hors d'oeuvres?

During their research, essential security keys stored on Apple devices, used to encrypt data, were targeted by the use of physical and non-invasive techniques to discover ways to decrypt the Apple-stored data and penetrate Apple’s encrypted firmware. Malicious code could then be planted onto the Apple devices and used to search for other encryption-masked vulnerabilities.

These researchers also claimed that they had modified a version of Xcode, Apple’s proprietary software development tool and the OS X updater, the program used to deliver updates to devices. With the researcher’s version of Xcode, surveillance backdoors could sneak into any apps or programs, enticing and enabling spies to steal passwords and other data. With the modified OS X updater, a keylogger could be installed.

Funding for this near-decade worth of research is said to have come out of the pockets of the CIA; however, the CIA as well as Apple declined to comment.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.