On standard iPhones, the user can only attempt to get the passcode right 10 times before the device wipes itself. The order, handed down under the All Writs Act of 1789, demands Apple write a program for the government that would undo that and allow for so-called “brute force” attacks on iPhones. This would effectively break any encryption protections, as the passcode is the only real barrier between a hacker, be they government or criminal, and an iPhone. Once the passcode is broken, most encryption protections on iPhones are bypassed.
Rather than trying to create a backdoor in the encryption itself, the FBI has ordered Apple to create a hacking tool for every single iPhone in order to get into one device. Cook believes this amounts to a backdoor in every iPhone on the planet.
Apple was given five days to fight the order, which the Cupertino tech titan will do, following Cook’s claims that the measures “would undermine the very freedoms and liberty our government is meant to protect”.
Cook’s ultimate concern, though he admitted the government’s intentions were likely good and that Apple had helped on the San Bernardino investigation in other ways, was that the tool demanded by government could end up in the wrong hands or be used for broad surveillance, undoing the encryption and other security protections on iPhones.
“The implications of the government’s demands are chilling. If the government can use the All Writs Act to make it easier to unlock your iPhone, it would have the power to reach into anyone’s device to capture their data,” Cook wrote.
“The government could extend this breach of privacy and demand that Apple build surveillance software to intercept your messages, access your health records or financial data, track your location, or even access your phone’s microphone or camera without your knowledge.
Opposing this order is not something we take lightly. We feel we must speak up in the face of what we see as an overreach by the U.S. government.
“We are challenging the FBI’s demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications.
“It would be wrong for the government to force us to build a backdoor into our products.”
In the face of repeated requests by government for backdoors in popular, cryptographically protected communications, Apple has repeatedly fought attempts to undo the security on its devices. In November, Cook reiterated his position on the issue, saying: "You can't have a backdoor that's only for the good guys." Many in the cryptography and security communities agree.
Why Apple is fighting tooth and nail:https://t.co/woRxriZZ3o
Precedent would be insanely bad.— Nicholas Weaver (@ncweaver) February 17, 2016
