Apple confirms that iOS 12’s ‘USB Restricted Mode’ prevent cracking techniques
Earlier reports that Apple will bring a new “USB Restricted Mode” in iOS 12 will make it harder for law enforcement agencies to crack the iPhone. AppleInsider reported today that Apple has admitted that it will bring these new features, but is aimed at users, not law enforcement agencies. An Apple spokesperson explained in a statement that Apple has been seeking ways to improve the security of Apple devices.
“At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we design. We’re constantly strengthening the security protections in every Apple product to help customers defend against hackers, identity thieves and intrusions into their personal data. We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we don’t design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs.“
“With USB Restricted Mode, those attempting to gain unwarranted access to an iPhone will have an hour or less to reach a cracking device before being locked out.”
Although Apple claims that the move is aimed at preventing individual users from cracking the iPhone, it is clear that its real intention is to avoid law enforcement agencies from resorting to brute force method.
In other words, law enforcement agencies have only one hour to use an iPhone 12 such as Cellebrite or GrayKey tools to crack an iOS 12 system. These unlocking tools are connected via USB, so once the time passes, it can no longer be used as a USB connection to the iPhone because it is blocked by the system and can only be recharged.
Source, Image: AppleInsider