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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think if the FBI can hack into iphones they aren't up to par

43 replies

holdonfor1moreday · 22/03/2016 07:38

I assumed my phone would have decent encryption, but if the FBI can hack into them surely anyone with the resources could do?

OP posts:
firesidechat · 22/03/2016 07:48

I don't think there is anything out there that an expert couldn't hack. There are companies that do this for a living. I would be more surprised if the FBI couldn't hack your phone.

The recent stuff in the news about the FBI wanting Apple to give them info from a suicide bombers phone was talked about on the radio recently. Apparently the FBI could hack the phone within minutes, but they wanted to make it easier to access all our phones.

HooseRice · 22/03/2016 07:49

MI6 can do it.

IlikePercyPig · 22/03/2016 07:52

Why would the FBI be interested in your phone?

Don't get me wrong, iPhone's are very secure. The FBI wanted Apple to remove the restriction of only being able to try ten passcodes before the phone self erased the content so the FBI could 'brute force' guess the passcode.

curren · 22/03/2016 07:52

I have always assumed the FBI and MI6, and others, can hack you phone.

I don't treat my phone as secure. I thought that was common knowledge.

NeedAScarfForMyGiraffe · 22/03/2016 07:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MajesticSeaFlapFlap · 22/03/2016 07:53

What's on on your phone that the feds would be interested in?

Original poster
holdonfor1moreday · 22/03/2016 07:54

I thought these days it was possible to encrypt something that would take thousands of years to crack?

If we can store 100'000 songs on our phones they surely must be able to have encryption impossible to hack in a lifetime?

OP posts:
BIWI · 22/03/2016 07:54

Perhaps, just perhaps, the FBI might employ a few clever tech people? Confused

AuntieStella · 22/03/2016 07:56

It'll be NSA who does the actual techy stuff.

I am surprised that it's not possible in US for a court to order the company to unlock the phone, especially when there is such a clear link to such a serious crime. I'm pretty sure it can be required here (or have I imagined that).

curren · 22/03/2016 08:00

auntie that's not quite the case. Or rather not as how I understand it.

The FBI want apple to create something so all phones can be accessed easily and want to own the software that does that.

Apple are concerned it could be misused.

The FBI are using this case because people are scared of terrorists. They are hoping Apple backs down under pressure and the public go along with it happily.

curren · 22/03/2016 08:01

Sorry what I mean is, that's it's not about this one phone.

IlikePercyPig · 22/03/2016 08:02

It was a work phone that the FBI wanted to hack and the experts are really dubious as to what the FBI expects to find.

firesidechat · 22/03/2016 08:02

The point is that the FBI don't need Apple to do anything. The only reason that they want to force Apple's hand is so that it will be easier to get into all our phones. I'm not comfortable with that.

cdtaylornats · 22/03/2016 08:03

The US courts can't order it for the same reason they can't order it to be sunny. Apple can't.

People are surprisingly okay with the FBI asking for this.

Would you be okay with the Police in the UK telling every lock manufacturer that each lock had to be designed to be opened by police using their master key?

firesidechat · 22/03/2016 08:03

Curren explained it very well.

firesidechat · 22/03/2016 08:06

Also I think I heard that if Apple introduce a "back door" it will make it easier for other people to hack our phones.

I'm no conspiracy theorist and under extreme circumstances I would be happy for my phone to be hacked, but it's not necessary, so why do it?

Original poster
holdonfor1moreday · 22/03/2016 08:07

Thanks current - so does this mean the opposite? The phones are so secure the FBI can't get in so they want a master key?

OP posts:
IlikePercyPig · 22/03/2016 08:08

Yes they essentially want a master key but Apple said no because they are worried it'd be misused.

curren · 22/03/2016 08:09

No I am sure they could get into any phone. But they want the legal right to access any phone at anytime.

Wether they could be arsed looking at any phone, I don't know. But it makes phones more generally vulnerable.

In theory, I don't mind the FBI or MI6 looking at my phone. There isn't anything interesting on it. But we have rights and they have to have reason to look.

It's the equivalent of giving them the power to search your house and seize your belongings without needing a warrant.

curren · 22/03/2016 08:11

I am pretty sure if they wanted to get into this one phone they could. They just want to own the software (software may not be the right term) to get into anyone's phones as and when they see fit.

BombadierFritz · 22/03/2016 08:12

No, think of it as the fbi can do this already, they want the legal right to do it as well.

Original poster
holdonfor1moreday · 22/03/2016 08:21

If I bought an android and did this. www.howtogeek.com/141953/how-to-encrypt-your-android-phone-and-why-you-might-want-to/

Would that make it impossible for the data to be hacked?

Not that there is anything interesting but I don't like leaving an open door

OP posts:
BertieBotts · 22/03/2016 08:29

They can't get into phones. That is what they are saying is a problem. Even Apple can't access the data on your phone which is why they are asking Apple to change the software.

John Oliver explains it well if you're confused:

curren · 22/03/2016 08:29

Nothing is impossible to hack.

It may take more time.

Someone finds away round something and if MI6 or the FBI wanted to get into your phone, they could present legal papers and get access.

I suspect they already can hack phones without following the legal process. But try can't use it if they haven't followed the process.

Which is what they could do in the case of this phone. But it's not about this one phone.

I can also imagine encrypting your phone makes it look far more interesting to the authorities as well.

You say there isn't anything interesting on your phone. The website you linked clearly explains that for most people it's pointless and can effect your phone, in a negative way.

BertieBotts · 22/03/2016 08:30

Not child safe BTW