UK secret Apple iCloud backdoor orders are a global “emergency,” critics say
Among them latest Try it To erode the protection of strong encryption The UK government reportedly secretly ordered Apple to build a backdoor This allows UK security personnel to access encrypted cloud storage data from Apple customers anywhere in the world.
Secret Order issued under the UK’s Investigation Power Act of 2016 (known as Snoopers Charter) – is End-to-end encryption (E2EE) For iCloud backups, known as Advanced Data Protection. The encrypted backup feature allows Apple customers to access device information stored in iCloud. Even Apple doesn’t have access.
The UK government declined to comment on the report to TechCrunch, but British officials have It has been discussed for a long time Its E2E makes it more difficult to collect digital evidence of criminal prosecution and collect information for national security.
Apple’s encrypted backup feature closes loopholes that law enforcement has when enabled Used to gain access to stored data in the cloud. Otherwise, this data was not possible to unscramble on most modern iPhones with device encryption enabled.
Washington Post, that I first reported the storyRather than breaking user encryption globally, Apple said it is likely to stop offering iCloud encryption capabilities to UK users, depending on the order of secrets.
Previously Apple I warned Encrypted communication services FaceTime and Imessage could be at risk in the UK, potentially responding to plans to increase government oversight authority.
Global impact
If Apple strips UK customers of advanced iCloud encryption, the fallout will not stop at the country’s borders.
Rebecca Vincent, who leads the Privacy and Civil Liberties Campaign Group Big Brother Watch, warned of it The UK government’s “strict” order will not make citizens saferbut instead “erode the fundamental rights and civil liberties of the entire population.”
It is not yet clear how UK orders actually work, but removing advanced data protection will make cloud data for UK citizens available to law enforcement, but the news of the order is The security of millions of Apple device owners around the world has sparked concerns. It may become weaker.
Security and privacy advocates also say the UK can set a dangerous global precedent for authoritarian regimes and cybercriminals to be eager to abuse.
Thorin Klosowski, a privacy activist at the US-based electronic frontier foundation, also warned in a blog post that the UK demands. It has global impact It makes secret orders an “emergency for all of us.” James Baker of Open Rights Group said last week The plan is “terrifying…and not everyone is safe.”
Unlearned security lessons
The knock-on effect that the British government’s orders could have on citizens around the world has sparked criticism amid fears that the UK could face conflict with some of its closest allies.
The news comes weeks after US security officials urge Americans Use an encrypted messaging app To avoid their communication being intercepted by hostile countries. Advisory continued Reports on long-standing stealth hacking campaigns There are also phone and internet giants, as well as spies who aim to hack into critical US infrastructure by Chinese government spies.
Computer & Communications Industry Association, a US high-tech industry group representing IT and Telecoms Industries; Hack said It is carried out by so-called people Chinese hacker “Typhoon” group “It makes clear that end-to-end encryption may be the only safeguard that stands between sensitive personal and business data from Americans and foreign enemies.
“American privacy and security decisions should be made in the US in an open and transparent way, not through secret orders from overseas where keys must be kept at the front door,” the CCIA said. .
Chris Mohr, president of the US-based Software and Information Industry Association, also I issued a similar warningcalling the British orders “both dangerous and not wise.”
“We need a policy to make information safer (less) than ever, especially in the wake of salt typhoons,” Mohr said, referring to a Chinese support group targeting telephone companies. “We ask the Trump administration and the US Congress to stand firmly in this troublesome development.”
China’s hack targeting the phone and internet giants – Includes AT&T and Verizon – The latest example of why the UK government’s backdoor request for Apple is flawed.
Salt Typhoon has carried out a violation of the telephone company, which is said to be one of the biggest hacks in recent history. Abuse of legally mandated backdoors required by telecom companies To provide law enforcement and intelligence reporting agencies with access to customer data on request.
“The lessons are repeated until it’s learned. There’s no backdoor just to put in good people and keep the bad guys out.” To the Electronic Frontier Foundation. “It’s time for us all to recognize this and take steps to ensure true security and privacy for all of us.”