奇速英语

苹果公司否认暗装“后门”，协助政府监听用户

A security expert has warned Apple’s iOS software contains potentially threatening tools that could be used by governments to spy on iPhone and iPad users.

Speaking at the “Hackers on planet Earth” conference in New York, Jonathan Zdziarski said that most users are unaware of the lack of protection for iPhone data. He added files found hidden within the firm’s software contain a file-relay service that can be used to access the user’s address book, photos, voicemail and any accounts used on the device. However, Apple has denied the claims the backdoor was created deliberately for government or surveillance purposes.

His investigation followed earlier reports of the National Security Agency (NSA) spying on Apple products, which suggested a “backdoor” in iOS could provide hackers with valuable information. A backdoor is a hidden remote access port that can allow outside sources to access a device without being found. Mr Zdziarski added there is a file named “com.apple.pcapd” on the device that start up without notifying the iOS device’s owner. He explained this can record network traffic and HTTP request/response data from the device and could be targeted via Wi-Fi.

Apple responded by saying the services identified by Mr Zdziarski are not deliberately provided for government agencies to make use. The company added they are for “diagnostic” purposes, and to allow IT workers to manage their company’s devices.

“The problem with this is that these services dish out data regardless of whether or not ‘Send Diagnostic Data to Apple’ is turned on or off, and whether or not the device is managed by an enterprise policy of any kind,” Mr Zdziarski said on his blog.

Documents published in Germany’s Der Spiegel revealed the NSA actively worked on software that enabled it to remotely access iPhones and their text messages, photographs, contacts, location, voice mail and even their video.