US DEA upset it can't break Apple's iMessage encryption
Officials with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration are reportedly frustrated that they cannot crack Apple's iMessage encryption to listen in on suspects.
Apple's apparent stymying of the DEA was revealed in a government intelligence note obtained by CNet, which calls it "impossible" to intercept iMessages, even with a warrant. The note is entitled "Apple's iMessages: A Challenge for DEA Intercept."
The DEA is apparently only stopped if the message is an iMessage encrypted by Apple. If the message is instead sent as a text message, it's easier for the agency to obtain, though the DEA did admit that it "seems to be more successful if the intercept is placed on the non-Apple device."
The security of Apple's iOS platform vs. competing mobile operating systems like Google Android is frequently touted as a key advantage for the iPhone. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center even issued a warning to users last year regarding malware that targets Android devices.
iMessages are encrypted messages that can be sent between Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads and even Macs running the OS X platform. The service launched with iOS 5 in 2011, and Apple publicly revealed that all sent and received iMessages would be securely encrypted.
DEA officials first discovered that iMessages could be a hinderance to their efforts when a real-time electronic surveillance under the Federal Wiretap Act failed to yield all of a target's text messages. The agency then discovered that the person was using iMessage, which bypassed the text messaging services of carrier Verizon.
Apple revealed in January that it sees 2 billion iMessages sent each day from a half-billion iOS devices, plus Mac computers, which gained iMessage support last year. iMessage accounts allow users to send and receive their secure messages across all their Apple devices.
Apple's apparent stymying of the DEA was revealed in a government intelligence note obtained by CNet, which calls it "impossible" to intercept iMessages, even with a warrant. The note is entitled "Apple's iMessages: A Challenge for DEA Intercept."
The DEA is apparently only stopped if the message is an iMessage encrypted by Apple. If the message is instead sent as a text message, it's easier for the agency to obtain, though the DEA did admit that it "seems to be more successful if the intercept is placed on the non-Apple device."
The security of Apple's iOS platform vs. competing mobile operating systems like Google Android is frequently touted as a key advantage for the iPhone. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center even issued a warning to users last year regarding malware that targets Android devices.
iMessages are encrypted messages that can be sent between Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads and even Macs running the OS X platform. The service launched with iOS 5 in 2011, and Apple publicly revealed that all sent and received iMessages would be securely encrypted.
DEA officials first discovered that iMessages could be a hinderance to their efforts when a real-time electronic surveillance under the Federal Wiretap Act failed to yield all of a target's text messages. The agency then discovered that the person was using iMessage, which bypassed the text messaging services of carrier Verizon.
Apple revealed in January that it sees 2 billion iMessages sent each day from a half-billion iOS devices, plus Mac computers, which gained iMessage support last year. iMessage accounts allow users to send and receive their secure messages across all their Apple devices.
Comments
Even so, the Android fans will continue to scream about how much more secure Android is.
500 million devices and with the highest mindshare of any tech company or brand? Yeah, real obscure¡ You'd probably have to talk to a 1000 people before you'd find anyone that has ever heard of the iPhone, much less seen one¡
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
500 million devices and with the highest mindshare of any tech company or brand? Yeah, real obscure¡ You'd probably have to talk to a 1000 people before you'd find anyone that has ever heard of the iPhone, much less seen one¡
More like 10 if you are only looking for 'heard of'.
As for this issue, I'm sure with a proper federal warrant, Apple would comply and there is some way for them to access the data.
And rickag, I don't think you know what "security by obscurity" is, because this isn't it.
Fascism is still a bad thing AFAIK.
And based on the report herein, if you see one, it's probably a drug dealer being pursued by the DEA. Clearly, if you have the iPhone, you have something to hide.
I don't think it will matter. Most drug dealers want giant phones to match their 24 inch rims on their giant SUV. Their girlfriends need them to match the giant hoop earrings.
Everyone needs to remember context.
I use iMessage across multiple iDevices and Macs constantly. I must be a kingpin.
Hey, buddy. Read the article.
Even if they have a warrant, the DEA has trouble reading iMessages.
However, I don't see anything wrong with that in a country based on individual freedom.
Oh noes! How will they stop cannabis use without round the clock surveillance of all citizens?
DEA, your concern has been noted. I will be sure to act on it at every possible voting opportunity.
Apple isn't a telecom company, they are a technology company so the same rules don't apply to them. I'm sure that is about to change though.
Don't you mean iKingpin?
Let's face it, who else but a drug lord can afford so many outrageously over-priced Apple devices?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
I use iMessage across multiple iDevices and Macs constantly. I must be a kingpin.
Finally, the truth comes out!
Umm, strong encryption has been around for ages in various forms. This is why the US government classified it as a munition in the 90s
BBM uses it too, but the big difference here it seems is that Apple's iMessage servers don't actually keep any unencrypted data on them. That's my guess anyways given the fact that, even with a warrant, it's difficult to get ahold of the messages. Whereas, with BBM, governments have been able to put pressure on RIM/BlackBerry to get ahold of data.
I don't think that's not really what the DEA says is it? iMessages are considered encrypted communications and therefor aren't intercepted in the first place. I don't think they commented on whether they can de-crypt them if they get their hands on them did they? I get the impression it might be a legal issue when dealing with encrypted message from the way the DEA notice is worded. Could be wrong of course since there's not a lot of details.