Although this device is affiliated with law enforcement, it still acquires a security threat concern.
Founded in 2016, the company Grayshift created a device that had the ability to unlock iPhones. And those who really know about Apple’s products know how difficult it can be to hack into their phones. They spend millions of dollars focusing on security measures to make their products uncrackable. Their vulnerability is quite low.
However, Grayshift’s device, called GrayKey allows law enforcement to unlock iPhones easily. This raised concerns for iPhone users globally, as this device could fall into the wrong hands. In 2018, Grayshift added a “Request Access” form to fill out on their website. It states, “GrayKey is not for everyone. We kindly request that you tell us a bit about yourself and your organization.” This lowers the chances of hackers getting their hands on their device and causing problems. Police departments then have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
And according to NBC News, the software that Grayshift implements for the police is called Hide UI, and “can track a suspect’s passcode when it’s entered into a phone, according to two people in law enforcement, who asked not to be named out of fear of violating non-disclosure agreements.”
Those NDAs have helped keep Hide UI a secret. Because of the lack of public scrutiny of the feature as well as its covert behavior, defense attorneys, forensic experts and civil liberties advocates are concerned that Hide UI could be used without giving owners the due process of law, such as a warrant.
Source: NBC News
On top of Grayshift’s security, the price tag for a GrayKey is quite hefty. They include two options, a $15k one and a $30k. The first one requires internet access and has limitations, and the second one can work offline and limitless.
Unfortunately with all of the new technology coming out, there are definite rip offs of these kinds of devices. You can buy them just about anywhere, and the cost is more affordable. It’s possible they’re not as potent as the GrayKey. But unlike the GrayKey, which at the moment is believed to only be available to law enforcement, the other devices are available to anyone.
An iPhone typically contains all manner of sensitive information: account credentials, names and phone numbers, email messages, text messages, banking account information, even credit card numbers or social security numbers. All of this information, even the most seemingly innocuous, has value on the black market, and can be used to steal your identity, access your online accounts, and steal your money.
The existence of the GrayKey isn’t hugely surprising, nor is it a sign that the sky is falling. However, it does mean that an iPhone’s security cannot be ensured if it falls into a third party’s hands.
Source: Malwarebytes LABS Blog
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