. Military Space News .
CYBER WARS
US could force firms to help break encryption, under new bill
by Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) April 13, 2016


Hackers helped FBI crack San Bernardino iPhone: report
Washington (AFP) April 13, 2016 - Professional hackers discovered at least one software flaw that helped the FBI break into an iPhone used by a San Bernardino attacker, the Washington Post reported Tuesday.

These hackers were paid a one-time flat fee for their help, the Post said, quoting people familiar with the case.

The discovery of the flaw was used to fashion a piece of hardware that helped US authorities dodge the iPhone's four-digit personal identification number without activating a feature that would have erased all the data on the phone, the Post quoted the people familiar with the case as saying.

The FBI would not have had trouble cracking the four-digit PIN. The tricky part, in fact, was to deactivate a feature on the phone that erases data stored on the device after 10 incorrect tries at guessing the code, the Post said.

In the San Bernardino attacks, Syed Farook and wife Tashfeen Malik killed 14 people on December 2 before dying in a firefight with police. Two other phones linked to the pair were found destroyed after the attack.

The government filed suit to try to force Apple to help it break into a phone used by one of the shooters. Apple, backed by other tech giants such as Google and Facebook, refused, citing concerns over digital security and privacy.

The FBI announced late last month that it had managed to break into the phone with the help of an undisclosed third party, ending the legal standoff.

Two key US lawmakers Wednesday unveiled legislation to require technology firms to help law enforcement unlock encrypted devices -- prompting a fierce outcry from the industry and privacy activists.

The bill released by Senators Richard Burr and Dianne Feinstein of the Senate Intelligence Committee comes in the wake of a heated legal battle pitting the FBI against Apple as part of an investigation into last year's San Bernardino attacks.

"No entity or individual is above the law," said Feinstein, the top Democrat on the committee chaired by Republican Burr.

"Today, terrorists and criminals are increasingly using encryption to foil law enforcement efforts, even in the face of a court order. We need strong encryption to protect personal data, but we also need to know when terrorists are plotting to kill Americans."

The lawmakers in a joint statement said the proposal was a "discussion draft" and that they would "solicit input from the public and key stakeholders before formally introducing the bill."

"I am hopeful that this draft will start a meaningful and inclusive debate on the role of encryption and its place within the rule of law," Burr said. "Based on initial feedback, I am confident that the discussion has begun."

The use of strong encryption in applications and smartphones, with they keys only available to users, has raised concerns in law enforcement that criminals and others may operate in secrecy, with investigators unable to gain access to data even with a court order.

Legislation similar to the Senate proposal is also being considered in other countries, notably Britain and France, amid concerns that attackers have been using encryption to avoid detection.

But the Senate draft, which was leaked to media earlier this week, sparked intense criticism both from the technology industry and digital rights activities, claiming it would effectively create a "back door" for law enforcement which could be exploited by hackers and other governments.

Kevin Bankston of the New America Foundation's Open Technology Institute said the bill would require "every tech vendor in America to use either backdoored encryption or no encryption at all, even though practically every security expert in the country would tell you that means laying down our arms in the constant fight to secure or data against thieves, hackers, and spies."

Daniel Castro of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, a Washington think tank, said the bill "sets up a legal paradox that would further muddy the waters about how and when the government can compel the private sector to assist in gaining access to private information."

Gary Shapiro of the Consumer Technology Association, a trade group representing hundreds of technology firms, called the measure an "overreaction" to fears on encryption.

"There is no consensus in the intelligence community that a requirement to force manufacturers to open encryption is the correct policy," Shapiro said in a statement.

The US government last month withdrew its request to force Apple to help unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters, saying the FBI had found another means to access the data. But several cases are pending against Apple and other firms.

Last week, Facebook-owned WhatsApp said it had implemented end-to-end encryption for its billion users, so that no other party can read the messages.


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


.


Related Links
Cyberwar - Internet Security News - Systems and Policy Issues






Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

Previous Report
CYBER WARS
Updated Qbot virus attacks public sector organizations
London (UPI) Apr 12, 2016
A new strain of Qbot malicious software that self-updates is being used to attack public sector organizations around the world, BAE Systems reports. More than 54,000 computers in thousands of organizations - such as police departments, hospitals and universities - have been infected with the virus so far by cyber-criminals, according to its white paper report. "Many public sect ... read more


CYBER WARS
Lockheed Martin tests Aegis on Australian destroyer

S. Korea, US open missile shield talks

Israeli Air Force deploying 'David's Sling' missile defense system

US Missile Defense Outdated

CYBER WARS
Iran takes delivery of first batch of S-300 missile systems

Navy orders more missile canisters for MK 41 VLS system

Pyongyang likely to deploy multiple launch rocket systems in late 2016

Lockheed tests mini-missile interceptor

CYBER WARS
Pentagon wants drones to replace some US troops in Sinai

Iran's new aerial drone makes maiden flight

Sagem supplying Patroller drones to French Army

Skilled drone pilots needed

CYBER WARS
Harris supplies tactical radios to African country

In-orbit delivery of Laos' 1st satellite launched

Upgrade set for Britain's tactical communications system

Airbus continues operating German military satellites

CYBER WARS
Live-fire test for British Army's new Ajax armored vehicle

Bring back our gear, Israel's army begs ex-soldiers

Australia approved for purchase of small diameter bombs

Kalashnikov delivers new anti-tank missiles to Russia

CYBER WARS
Netanyahu looks to changing Africa for new Israeli allies

Military spending rises again in 2015

Airbus to sell defence electronics arm to KKR for $1.2 billion

Lockheed Martin plans voluntary layoffs for 1,000

CYBER WARS
Russia, Bolivia look to strengthen military ties

US, India agree to strengthen maritime cooperation

NATO set for first formal talks with Russia for two years

China slams G7 statement on maritime disputes

CYBER WARS
A movie of the microworld: Physicists create nanoparticle picture series

NREL reveals potential for capturing waste heat via nanotubes

Nanoporous material's strange "breathing" behavior

Nanotubes line up to form films









The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.