With the release of iOS8, iPads and iPhones can't be unlocked even when police have a search warrant. This is because of the encryption that the new operating system uses which no longer allows Apple to bypass pass codes put on the devices that use the operating system.
It seems that the only information police will be able to access will be from older devices that are incompatible with iOS8. The company's decision to do this is a part of heightened security measures and the encryption is directly tied into the privacy policy for the new operating system. Many law enforcement officials are nervous about this change.
Privacy Looms Ever Larger
Privacy is a huge factor for people, especially when it comes to technology. So many aspects of our lives are on the devices we consistently use. So it's no surprise that many customers agree with the decision Apple has made concerning iOS8 and they are very happy with it. Apple's customers feel that the company is truly putting their privacy first and it gives them an added sense of security. Many law enforcement officials feel that it isn't necessarily a matter of privacy at all. They view it as a hindrance to investigations because detectives and police officers will not have instant access to crucial evidence. They also feel that this change will prevent them from conducting surveillance when necessary.
iCloud Information Storage
If a customer allows their data to be stored via iCloud, law enforcement will in fact be able to gain access to their information that way. This does not solve the issue law enforcement is having though, because any Apple customer can simply adjust the settings on their device to prevent data from being stored through iCloud. It is not mandatory for an Apple customer to backup their data through iCloud and preventing data from being stored that way makes it virtually impossible for police to gain access to any information. So if you are interested in security, disable iCloud backup.
Encryption Cracking
Even with security measures in place, there are still ways to get around the issues that encryption causes for law enforcement. Systems have been developed for the sole purpose of cracking the encryption on devices such as the iPad and iPhone. Apple's devices are considered to be very well equipped against encryption cracking systems which makes it extremely difficult to extract data through those means. Apple customers who use a four digit pass code on their devices are still at a higher risk for these systems to successfully access their information. The system will cycle through every four digit combination possible until it finds the one that will unlock the device.
Law enforcement officials feel completely shut out by the decision Apple has made on iOS8 encryption. Some feel that it may take the occurrence of a catastrophic event for law enforcement to be granted ways of working around the new encryption. This change may very well lead to the opportunity for some criminals to evade attempts made by the police to charge them with crimes because they will ultimately be able to hide pertinent information related to investigations. But for the rest of us honest citizens who just like to keep our private business private, it is a welcome development.
