Tech Musing #3 ’60 Minutes’ asked a security firm to hack an iPhone and we’re all basically screwed

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/04/18/60-minutes-asked-a-security-firm-to-hack-an-iphone-and-were-all-basically-screwed/#gref

Summary

Apple vs. FBI case happened months ago. Before this happened, most Apple user believe iPhone is the most secure phone, just like what they advertised. However, after FBI announced that they were able to break into the phone without Apple’s help, people start to think about how safe their phones are.

In this article, in order to know how safe our phones are, the 60 minutes team find professional from Security Research Labs to break into a Congressman’s phone. (Congressman Ted Lieu agreed) The 60 minutes team uses all ways that they can think about, which includes break through flash memory to even create operating system. However, they found out the key secure data they need to break into the phone is the Congressman’s phone number. After that, the team was able to record phone calls, track movement, view contact, and create log of calls.

The team said, this flaw not only appears on iPhone, it is in every phone, no matter which brand you are using. The security flaw is due to Signaling System 7 (SS7). Currently, since there is not governed by any government, it is like global collaboration. There is no real solution for this security flaw.

Security is always an important issue in MIS class. This article shows us that our phone is not as safe as you think.

People should always keep in mind that your phone is not that safe. I think this is not only for MIS student, but also for all people. Since most of people are using cell phone heavily, people may have too much personal information on their phone. It could be a disaster if hack into a phone is that easy.