Apple moves to block iPhone ‘cracking’ method used by authorities

Apple is set to launch a new version of its iOS mobile software that could make it significantly harder for law enforcement to access locked iPhones. 

Smartphone users trialling the iOS 11 software through Apple’s beta programme say it features a new security feature that disables the iPhone’s charging port if a user hasn’t logged into the device for seven days, The Daily Telegraph reports. 

If the feature appears on the public version of the software, due to be released in the next few weeks, it would close a loophole known as “cracking” that has been used by police forces to gain access to locked iPhones. 

According to Cybersecurity blog ElcomSoft, authorities use a piece of software called GreyKey to decipher the passcodes of seized iPhones. 

The process involves connecting the person’s iPhone to a USB stick or computer to use the codebreaking software, the security blog says.

However, the new version of iOS 11 would put a time limit of just one week on when that process could be carried out. 

Apple’s move to tighter security for its iPhones is likely to please its customers while causing further tensions with the authorities.

The Cupertino-based company has been embroiled in a number of criminal investigations, and has repeatedly refused to give police access to locked iPhones and iPads. 

Following the San Bernardino shooting in 2015, the FBI fought but later dropped a legal battle to make the company unlock the suspect’s iPhone, reports Engadget.