Security

How Apple could implement fingerprint sensor on the next iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 16, 2013

Cody yesterday relayed a note by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who tried to guesstimate which products Apple may introduce or refresh in 2013. In addition to multiple iPhone models and all-high resolution iPad lineup (including the expected iPad mini with Retina display), the analyst expects the next iPhone to adopt a a fingerprint sensor. On the surface, that feature sounds a little off.

I mean, Apple just doesn't put fingerprint sensors inside any of its gadgets, let alone phones, right? Then again, the company did acquire smart sensor maker AuthenTec for $356 million with very specific goals in mind. Shortly after, Apple even sold AuthenTec's enterprise encryption business unit, signaling its intention to presumably focus on the Smart Sensor unit. Here's how the built-in fingerprint sensor could enhance your next iPhone...

Hacker for hire: pod2g offers his services in development and research security

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 29, 2016

Well-known member of the jailbreak community pod2g has been grabbing a lot of headlines lately, but not for his usual iOS exploiting efforts. The 30-something French hacker recently released his first iOS app: podDJ.

Now that the app's complete, pod2g is looking to tackle his next project. And if you happen to have something that you're working on that you think could benefit from his special skill sets, he's offering up his services...

Privacy app Clueful returns to iOS in web form

Cody Lee ∙ January 10, 2013

Clueful, a privacy app by Bitdefender, garnered a lot of attention last summer when Apple pulled it from the App Store without giving much of an explanation. It was odd, because the app claimed that it just identified privacy threats.

Well here we are, 6 months later, and we have still yet to hear a reason behind the removal. But obviously Bitdefender still sees a market for the app, as the software company has just re-launched Clueful as a web-based application...

Quick review: Keycard unlocks your Mac when you’re nearby, but…

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

http://vimeo.com/52132178

Keycard from Appuous is a nifty new app which keeps your Mac secure by locking your OS X user account automatically when you're not around. It does this by using your Bluetooth connection to check for your iPhone or iPad's presence, thereby detecting when you've stepped away from your computer or returned to it. Of course, unless you remember to take the paired device with you, Keycard won't be up for the task.

On the surface, the idea seems pretty useful as the app turns your iOS device into a personal 'keycard' of sorts. However, it isn't without pitfalls and the flashy promo video doesn't mention the fine print. I installed the program and after spending a few minutes with it immediately noticed a couple issues you should be aware of...

Apple seen stepping up security in iOS 6.1

Cody Lee ∙ December 24, 2012

Apple seeded beta 4 of iOS 6.1 to developers last week. The word is, this could be the final beta, meaning a public release for the new firmware would be just around the corner.

Don't get too excited though. We've seen few changes in 6.1 that will be worth updating for. And if you're planning on jailbreaking, it looks like you'll definitely want to stay away...

JavaScript bug found in iOS 6’s Smart App Banners

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

This is kind of weird. A new bug has been discovered in iOS 6 that has to do with the Smart App Banners feature. It seems that the banners, which websites can implement to give users a direct link to apps, will turn on the JavaScript setting in Safari without warning.

On the surface, this may not seem like a very big deal. After all, most folks don't mess with the JavaScript settings on their iOS devices because a lot of web sites require it. But the fact that these Smart Banners are turning it on, unbeknownst to users, is a bit troubling...

AgileBits teases 1Password 4 for iOS, coming December 13

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha_4nrGyGPk

In an epic Hollywood fashion, AgileBeats, the makers of the 1Password utility, today teased an upcoming major update to its iOS client. "1Password 4 for iOS is coming", the company proclaims but doesn't provide much in way of details. A blog post only says the app's "coming soon", but the trailer offers the more specific launch date: this coming Thursday, December 13.

1Password for the Mac ( a $50 value), iPhone (a $7 value) and iPhone/iPad (a $10 download) take the pain out of remembering passwords for various services by storing your existing passwords in a centralized, secure database. The software also lets you create strong passwords and effortlessly fill in forms by integrating with your web browser...

Apple just needs smart sensors so AuthenTec unloads its encryption biz

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 19, 2012

AuthenTec, the maker of NFC chips and smart sensors that Apple bought in the summer for $356 million, has sold off its division which makes encryption-based security hardware and software. The buyer is French NFC maker and contactless chip provider Inside Secure and the transaction is valued at $48 million.

That Apple decided to get rid of AuthenTec's Embedded Security Solutions division is another tell-tale sign that the iPhone maker snapped up AuthenTec for its NFC solutions and smart sensors that are not part of the Inside Secure deal.

Yes Mr. Schiller, I know "Passbook does the kinds of things customers need today", but Apple did drop $356 million on an NFC tech maker and obviously your next iPhone is going to have NFC...

Apple patents movement-based iOS theft detector

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Are you worried your priced iOS or Mac gadget may be stolen? Don't fret, Apple's got your back, according to a new patent filing. Apple plans to use the accelerometer inside iOS devices to detect a theft, then sound an alarm.

Key to preventing those annoying car alarm-like false alerts, Apple's idea includes a special controller which ignores normal bumps and drops, instead listening for signals indicating a snatch-and-grab...

Chipworks takes a closer look at Apple’s Lightning cable

Cody Lee ∙ October 16, 2012

There's been a lot of talk about Apple's new dock connector lately. The company replaced its decade-old 30-pin connector with a new 9-pin Lightning plug in its latest round of iPhone and iPod refreshes last month.

Apple has reportedly added an authentication chip to its new cable to keep third party companies from making unapproved accessories. So the smart folks over at Chipworks decided to take a closer look at it...

FBI warns smartphone users of Android malware

Cody Lee ∙ Updated June 13, 2016

Though Apple takes quite a bit of criticism, from both users and developers, over its rigorous App Store approval process, there is one significant benefit to the approach: security. iOS sees just a fraction of the viruses and malware as other, more open platforms.

Case in point: the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which does work for the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the FBI, issued a warning late last week to smartphone users regarding malware for mobile phones. And unsurprisingly, there was a focus on Android...

AuthenTec tells clients to buy fingerprint sensors elsewhere in 2013

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Earlier in the summer, smart sensor maker AuthenTec agreed to be bought by Apple for $356 million. Still pending approval, the transactions left even the seasoned watchers scratching their head.

People began wondering whether Cupertino might leverage AuthenTec's fingerprint sensors to bolster enterprise security in iOS devices. Or, perhaps, Apple was keen on tapping AuthenTec's sensors to add consumer features to iPhones, iPods and iPads, the stuff like finger-based unlock or a secure e-wallet service.

The deal remains shrouded in a veil of secrecy because Apple isn't talking much and neither is AuthenTec. A report out this morning claims that AuthenTec's current clients are "in a state of panic" as the company is telling them it will stop offering its technology and NFC/fingerprint sensors as of next year...