Apple working on security fix for iOS4
Dealing with an issue that should set the reputation of iPhone security back several generations, Apple is working on a set of patches to plug security holes that have been discovered in Mobile Safari.
One would think that Apple will have been thinking a great deal about security as it attempts to infiltrate the ranks of major corporations in order to stealthily replace the RIM Blackberry as the handset for the boardroom. Yet, very recently, two gaping security holes have been found in the Mobile Safari browser that is used on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, according to a CNET story. One of the reasons that Apple keeps giving when they say they don’t want other major browsers on these platforms is security. Yet, their own product has proven to be much less than strong against exploits.
First, the iPhone Dev Team hacks through the Mobile Safari Browser badly enough that they are able to deliver their jailbreak payload through Mobile Safari rather than via a direct connection to a computer. As if that were not bad enough, it has now been discovered that the simple (and common) act of opening a PDF file on any iOS4 device (again, the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch) is tantamount to giving away the master keys to your device. In response, Apple says, “We’re aware of this reported issue, we have already developed a fix and it will be available to customers in an upcoming software update.” Ho-hum.
Now, imagine that you’re in charge of IT for Fortune 500 company, and that you have been considering the iPhone as a replacement for the Blackberry. It seems to me that this latest situation would make you think twice, and perhaps change your mind about letting the iPhone or iPad in the door. Perhaps at least some of Apple’s time could be better spent than doing massive research on how users’ grips on their non-Apple cell phones affects reception. They may wish to do a bit more research, instead, on the security aspects of the mobile devices that are now its bread and butter.
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August 5th, 2010
Maybe they would put less time into antenna research if people would stop blowing the supposed antenna issue out of proportion, they just wanted to show it is common among smartphones. If you’re in a bad reception area, you get bad reception, plain and simple.