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Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

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Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#391

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Going to 64-bit is a lot bigger deal than adding a few hundred MHz in terms of what it enables for the platform.

Such as?

This is being discussed around the page, but here's a start: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/607322/what-are-the-advan...

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#392
post #73

Now that we have to consider the iPhones to be backdoored by the NSA, I wonder whether I really want to give them my fingerprint together with the rest of my data. I'm also not so sure whether a fingerprint can't still be easily faked (like it was possible on that Mythbusters episode for example). Personally, I think I'd rather stay with my passcode. Did you btw know that you can turn off "simple passcode" and then u…

So use a passcode - the fingerprint feature is optional. That said, I doubt they are doing anything nefarious with it - if it eventually leaked that fingerprints were being sent to the NSA, the cost to Apple would be incalculable. I would bet, or at least hope, that Apple has designed the hardware involved to be subpoena proof - meaning that the design would make it impossible to remotely collect fingerprints even if…

Even if I knew for a fact the NSA would get my fingerprint from my iPhone it would still be worth the convenience of having that fingerprint auth. I can legitimately stop putting in a pass code all the time and still have my phone be secure against random people using it, strangers finding it and getting access to my email, etc.

I would prefer the NSA not have my prints but virtually every other piece of data they collect is more likely to be used against me.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#393

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You are still going with that "it's just a powerpoint, it means nothing" line? I thought we dispensed with that notion months ago.

Yes. There is zero evidence of any type of NSA backdooring your iPhone nonsense. It would be great to read HN (where I thought we were more technically inclined than the rest of the net) for a day without unfounded nonsensical claims.

This isn't just some random tinfoilhat idea that came out of nowhere. Remember CarrierIQ on Android? The NSA is real, the tinfoil-hats have been validated whether you believe it or not. From the NSA's point of view, having everyone's fingerprint on file would be fantastic and we know they have the power to force Apple to cooperate. In fact, I'm just assuming that's what will happen so now I'll be careful about borrowing anyone's iPhone. Everything about tech is going to be cross-examined with potential(read: definite future) data gathering usage by the NSA.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#394
post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's even worse. I want to be able to set, at my option: 1) PIN-only 2) FPR + PIN (where you must use iCloud to get in if your FPR doesn't read) 3) for morons, FPR only. I currently use a much stronger than 4 digit numeric PIN, but it is honestly a pain. If I could set both the FPR and PIN as required to get in, I could use a shorter PIN. If I'm allowed to bypass the FPR entirely, the PIN has to remain as strong as…

I'm curious why you say FPR only is for morons. I feel like I'm missing something.

Because compelling someone to give you a fingerprint is pretty easy, and could be done trivially at a border, or incident to arrest or detention, or by anyone willing to use a modicum of physical force.

Plus, since liveness checks are weak, anyone with access to anything containing your prints. I suspect at the next Defcon there will be a fun challenge to defeat it given a print lifted from a glass using $5 in supplies in 30 minutes. And then at the Defcon after that, the same contest will be in the children's area.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#395
post #390
post #374

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"subpoena proof" ... hmm Do you believe disabling the reader in a software-setting is enough to be sure it's not working? I don't. With all these NSA concerns going about, having a hardware fingerprint-reader on your smartphone that you can't avoid touching is something to think about.

"If you've ever handled a penny, the government's got your DNA. Why do you think they keep 'em in circulation?" - Simpsons

An internet-enabled smartphone fp-reader is probably just a little more accurate than a random penny floating about in society.......-_-

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#397
post #73

Now that we have to consider the iPhones to be backdoored by the NSA, I wonder whether I really want to give them my fingerprint together with the rest of my data. I'm also not so sure whether a fingerprint can't still be easily faked (like it was possible on that Mythbusters episode for example). Personally, I think I'd rather stay with my passcode. Did you btw know that you can turn off "simple passcode" and then u…

Urgh. When do we get to the point where I can read HN without a snarky NSA comment being voted to the top?

Hunch: it's got to do with the fact that anyone can upvote, not anyone can downvote, and there's a large enough audience that thinks every topic posted is fodder for the surveillance discussion (which isn't a stretch) and thinks that's the most important thing to upvote (IMO it's probably not, but welcome to democracy).

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#398

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So use a passcode - the fingerprint feature is optional. That said, I doubt they are doing anything nefarious with it - if it eventually leaked that fingerprints were being sent to the NSA, the cost to Apple would be incalculable. I would bet, or at least hope, that Apple has designed the hardware involved to be subpoena proof - meaning that the design would make it impossible to remotely collect fingerprints even if…

>the cost to Apple would be incalculable. the same statement about "not providing direct access" will get them off easily like it already did for them and Google/FB/etc in case of the rest of personal information. I'd say it would be negligent on the part of NSA to not use such a convenient source of fingerprints of "foreign" persons :) >at least hope, that Apple has designed the hardware involved to be subpoena proo…

Obstruction of justice can only occur if someone does something in response to a legal action that inhibits it. Fortunately it is not [yet] a crime to think ahead.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#399
post #388
post #374

Earlier quoted context omitted.

"subpoena proof" ... hmm Do you believe disabling the reader in a software-setting is enough to be sure it's not working? I don't. With all these NSA concerns going about, having a hardware fingerprint-reader on your smartphone that you can't avoid touching is something to think about.

You could place a sticker over the reader/home button to block covert reading.

That is a FANTASTIC idea. Get ready to see a kickstarter showing cool button-covers or replacement buttons for those not afraid to open their iPhones.
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