Previewed at WWDC, launching in the fall.
Apple Rehires Security and Encryption Expert Jon Callas Following FBI Dispute
Following its very public encryption battle with the FBI, Apple has rehired software engineer and and security expert Jon Callas, reports Reuters. Callas, who has previously worked at Apple, is known for co-founding encrypted communications services Silent Circle, Blackphone, and PGP Corporation.
Apple's decision to rehire Callas comes amid rumors the company is working on improving the security of its iOS devices. Apple has said it will continually improve security to keep ahead of hackers, and its dispute with the FBI is said to have spurred the company begin work on implementing security measures "even it can't hack."
Earlier this year, Apple was ordered to assist the FBI in the unlocking of the iPhone 5c used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook, an order it fought because the FBI was asking for new software that would bypass iPhone passcode security measures. Apple insisted the software was "too dangerous to create," setting dangerous precedents that could lead to a weakening of overall device encryption. The FBI eventually dropped the case after finding an alternate method to breach the iPhone, but the fight over encryption is far from over.
According to Reuters, Callas supports Apple's position and is opposed to companies being compelled to break their own encryption by the government, but he believes law enforcement officials should be able to take advantage of software vulnerabilities, the method the FBI ultimately used to get into Farook's iPhone 5c.
Prior to its dispute with the FBI, Apple also acquired security company LegbaCore to improve the security of its software.
Apple's decision to rehire Callas comes amid rumors the company is working on improving the security of its iOS devices. Apple has said it will continually improve security to keep ahead of hackers, and its dispute with the FBI is said to have spurred the company begin work on implementing security measures "even it can't hack."
Earlier this year, Apple was ordered to assist the FBI in the unlocking of the iPhone 5c used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook, an order it fought because the FBI was asking for new software that would bypass iPhone passcode security measures. Apple insisted the software was "too dangerous to create," setting dangerous precedents that could lead to a weakening of overall device encryption. The FBI eventually dropped the case after finding an alternate method to breach the iPhone, but the fight over encryption is far from over.
According to Reuters, Callas supports Apple's position and is opposed to companies being compelled to break their own encryption by the government, but he believes law enforcement officials should be able to take advantage of software vulnerabilities, the method the FBI ultimately used to get into Farook's iPhone 5c.
Callas has said he is against companies being compelled by law enforcement to break into their own encrypted products. But he has also said he supports a compromise proposal under which law enforcement officials with a court order can take advantage of undisclosed software vulnerabilities to hack into tech systems, as long as they disclose the vulnerabilities afterwards so they can be patched.An Apple spokesperson confirmed the hiring, but did not offer details on what Callas is working on. Callas was formerly employed at Apple in the 1990s and from 2009 to 2011, working on cryptographic security products for OS X and iOS.
Prior to its dispute with the FBI, Apple also acquired security company LegbaCore to improve the security of its software.
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29 months ago
...callas is a legend...
Legend is not overstating it here.
This guy is very good at the encryption side of things - he was a major player in FileVault. One of the best people Apple could have hired. I love seeing Apple do this. They are cranking it down on the security / privacy side of things inside Apple.
Would love to see Apple rollout the Dark Mail protocol (a project this gentleman's company was involved with previously) en masse - and instantly make realistic encrypted e-mail (including the envelope information) viable in the world.
29 months ago
He looks like the kind of guy we should all be very afraid of.
I disagree, he looks like the kind of guy who will be on team "save our asses" from the kinds of people who look overly charming in positions that are tasked with intrusive abuse of power and neglection of our rights.Glassed Silver:mac
29 months ago
How? By throwing their iPhones at people? Sheesh.
But still FBI will ask Apple to unlock the phones the next terrorist uses an iPhone to commit new attacks
29 months ago
did not offer details on what Callas is working on.
Obviously he's working on Apple's/Beats TV show.
29 months ago
quiet you newbs. callas is a legend and you just reveal yourselves as fools the more you blabber...
29 months ago
He looks like a guy who knows his **** (stereotypical old-school hippie hacker look) and would be wise to have on the consumers side.
He looks like the kind of guy we should all be very afraid of.
29 months ago
Just hide the evidence and encryption keys in that moustache. Kidding. Good on Apple for continuing to focus on security.
29 months ago
Possibly, or it is equally possible they will either get the same people to hack into the phone, or use the hack they have already got. Either situation is terrible for Apple, as they have ZERO CONTROL over what happens.
This is absolute horse-hockey. Increasing security and encryption while not pandering to the demands of a back door into iOS is not a bad thing. If full control means Apple or the government can willingly hack into their own devices, I'd much prefer an Apple that has 'ZERO CONTROL'.
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