Apple CEO Tim Cook: FBI's Backdoor Would Be 'Software Equivalent of Cancer'

[Radon87000]

Ever hear of literary license? A point is being made in the strongest of terms.

While the terrorists have a free run?Not sure I agree with the term here

 

[CalWizrd]

...
The guy's got some testicles after all.

I think I'll choose the safe route and not publish the comment that came to mind.

 

[duffman9000]

I must say I thought Tim Cook had more style and class, more intellect and common sense than to draw a comparison between security and cancer. Just proves he is as ruthless as Steve was.

I understood the analogy that he was making. Once this thing is created it will spread. Eventually it will destroy consumer confidence in Apple products and security in general.

I don't know if I would have compared it to cancer. Apple is being branded by some as being for the terrorists. There isn't much Apple can say about the FBI or DOJ. Maybe trying to put the idea of CANCER and the FBI into peoples minds lol.

 

[TechZeke]

If law enforcement across the country wants iPhones unlocked with this master key, then its pretty much impossible that this is not going to get out. That alone also already prove's Tim's point. If the US government can get hacked, so can a county police station holding a criminal's iPhone.

Not to mention the fact that such a master key would be worth millions on the black market. If such a program were to get to the general public, iOS device theft would skyrocket.

 

[Flight Plan]

How can anyone think that the answer to the problem of ending the use terrorism to establish an Islamic Caliphate lies on some a***ole thug's iPhone 5c? Seriously.

Well said.

You want to stop terrorism? Crush any and all hope these extremists have that they will ever achieve that goal...

The problem here is not that two terrorists may have stored information on their cell phones.

The problem is that they were allowed into the US in the first place.

We don't know who's coming and who's going, and we are not doing anything to prevent people from overstaying their visas. Until we get a handle on our own borders, nothing else will matter. Certainly reducing the security of our personal devices will not fix something that the US President and Congress could have and should have fixed already. No need for nine dark shadowy figures to play God.

someone's been reading too many Steve Jobs biographies.
Hyperboles only work if theyre funny or actually related to some way to the issue at hand.
The FBI isn't asking for a 'master key'. They're asking apple for a lifeline as they try to brute force the passcode.

That IS a master key! Pay attention in class or we will have to hold you back another year.

Not to break the encryption.
Nothing groundbreaking here.

Attempts to minimize the importance here is just as bad as the hyperbole you scolded about above.

...a sideshow like this, in my opinion, is a bit over-dramatic and uncalled for.

This goes directly to our freedom in the US. Freedom from a tyrannical government. This is why we have the right to free political speech and the right to bear arms for self protection.

"In my opinion," I'm glad your opinion is just that and that you weren't in charge of writing The Articles of the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights.

I don't like how he's using a terrible disease as a metaphor for this scenario, but that's just me.

I see what he's saying, but I too would prefer a different analogy than "cancer."

Oh, please. We all use dramatic phrasing. We all use analogies and comparisons. I for one am happy to see somebody eschewing lukewarm politically correct language on something so very important.

The points being made here are critically important, so we would all do well to just get over our hurt feelings.

I don't know how anyone can watch this interview and think this is all marketing. Cook said Apple will take this to the Supreme Court if necessary. It's pretty sad that others in the tech community have been so weak in their support of Apple so far.

I agree. But I think some of them are literally cowed into meek compliance. The US Government really has become far too powerful, and I think it's because the President takes power that is not his, the courts make laws that are not theirs to make, and the Congress just sits by and watches. We have checks and balances designed to prevent this, but they are not being followed and enforced. And this is how we lose our liberty.

 

[TechZeke]

FBI director Comey hates Apple. He is using the terrorist angle to try this case in the court of public opinion. Proud of Tim and Apple for standing up to that douchebag.

Its all a Red Herring and false dilemma. "If you agree with Apple, you must be for terrorists." The FBI also knows that there is probably nothing useful on that phone, but if they win here they can force Apple to do anything they want under false pretense of national security. Anyone the terrorist was calling or texting can be traced from phone records from the service provider. It was a also a work phone.

The only reason why the public is split on this issue is because of the ignorance and being naive on whats going on and how software actually works. Average Joe(Including the family members of the victims, Trump, various leaders) just sees that Apple is preventing the FBI from finding more information, not about whole picture. It's too easy nowadays to get people worked up on a article headline since most people do not even read further into the issue.

 

[Larry-K]

I don't like how he's using a terrible disease as a metaphor for this scenario, but that's just me.

You're right, Cancer dies with the individual, this blight would live on eroding our constitutional rights for the forseeable future.

 

[diegogaja]

Well, "spreading like a cancer" is a common analogy for when something Spreads inconsolably in a specific environment. The difference being that specific actions cause HIV contraction whereas cancer can spread uncontrollably. Another appropriate apology would be "spread like wildfire".
Those are common idioms. "Spread like HIV", not so much.

Hey Tim,

I have Stage IV Pancreatic cancer. Doubt it.

I think a more appropriate analogy would be something that can spread through contact/exposure. Maybe you are too sensitive to the mention of AIDS/HIV.

 

[Michael Scrip]

The FBI isn't asking for a 'master key'. They're asking apple for a lifeline as they try to brute force the passcode.

Yes... the FBI is only asking Apple to help remove the passcode limitation on one phone.

But this about setting a precedent.

If they're asked to do this phone... what prevents the FBI from asking Apple to do it on other phones?

Or worse... what if the firmware gets out into the open and is used by people other than the FBI?

Apple doesn't believe anyone but the person who locked the phone with a passcode should ever be able to unlock the phone. That's why they put this much security in the phone in the first place!

But sure... if you think it's about this one phone... and you could guarantee that the solution would only ever work on this one phone... then Apple should unlock it.

But you can't guarantee that... the FBI can't guarantee that... so Apple doesn't even want to create this malware.

Lemme ask you this... suppose the FBI could only get one phone unlocked in history. Would they really use that chance on Syed Rizwan Farook's iPhone?

Of course not... because this isn't about Syed Rizwan Farook's iPhone... it's about unlocking any iPhone they want.

 

[unplugme71]

Just make the software, make sure nobody takes it home, and steal the iPhone's information in a closed room. He's probably afraid to do it because then people would know that the iPhone can be broken.

And for the last time, "backdoor" is the wrong term for what he's describing. I know he's just saying it to scare people and take blame off of Apple. It's apparent that someone (Apple or other) can make an alternate iOS and steal information by installing it, so that itself is the security vulnerability. Apple is being asked to exploit a known vulnerability, not create a new one. A backdoor would be if Apple knowingly put a vulnerability into iOS so it could be later exploited.

I'm sick of this guy's BS.

The problem is once it's made its made. What if that copy got into the wrong hands?

You think this code will be used once and deleted? Haha. No way! The FBI would ask apple to keep it for other cases. Apple doesn't trust all its employees either.

This is why this issue is so important. And to know that half of America sides with the FBI is scary. I don't think people honestly know the big picture here. It's not about one phone. It's about public safety and privacy.

 

[diegogaja]

What?

Cancer doesn't spread through contact (or any other reason). HIV does.

The security issues this would create would spread in an u controlled and unpredictable manner (when it's leveraged by a hacker) like the analogy of cancer. It wouldn't be spread through contact...cancer is the correct analogy that is used a lot in the English language. Spread like wildfire is another equivalent analogy.

 

[thasan]

I don't like how he's using a terrible disease as a metaphor for this scenario, but that's just me.

But it is a terrible thing (for software) FBI is asking them to do. Maybe it is hurtful to people who has cancer but at the end of the day, cook meant that even a small security flaw created will spread and expand and will get out of control...
[doublepost=1456376650][/doublepost]

In typical fashion Apple as a corporation is grandstanding.

Why not use their other practice, of working in silence behind closed doors. Certainly there's a way to work in secret with the government, without all the showing off in public. But no, instead they're busy self congratulating, posturing and acting superior.

Claiming to put privacy and customers first they know they have a huge number of users that believe Apple's every word. Leveraging their followers Apple knows no boundaries. Once again their culture of narcissism raises it's ugly repulsive head.

You really think Apple would have secretly created a hackable iOS version secretly working with government? Do you have any proof that they have done it recently? Or just a speculation?

 

[diegogaja]

Actually Apple was working with them (privately) and was Continuing to work with them (privately). And when the FBI requested for able to break the encryption Apple refused and was wiling to continue working with the FBI. It was the FBIs choice to take this public even after Apple asked it to remain closed when the FBI went to the JUSTICE dept. they never "slammed the door". They just refused to do one of the many things the FBI asked and the FBI didn't like it.

I understand you are close minded so I'm not going to bother posting links to the articles in referencing. However, I'm sure whatever I posted you would just say something to discredit it. You. Could figure it out if you were smart enough.

Google is your friend.

Do your research if you truly care.

Several reports reveal Apple was_asked_ (privately) to help. Slamming the door in the Government's face, then and only then did the FBI go public.

If the haters here were open minded, I'd post links to the articles. However any source that the Apple Liberals don't like is discredited. Therefore it's up to you if you care.

Google is your friend.

 

[thasan]

Yep. They know what they're doin'. They'll get it right. LOL!

I actually despised Cook up until this point. Never liked his "lead from behind" style. Now I'm not so sure.

The guy's got some testicles after all.

Not 'some'. Quite a bit!! I now admire him as a leader of a large corporation. Can't believe that I am saying this.
[doublepost=1456376839][/doublepost]S

Actually Apple was working with them (privately) and was Continuing to work with them (privately). And when the FBI requested for able to break the encryption Apple refused and was wiling to continue working with the FBI. It was the FBIs choice to take this public even after Apple asked it to remain closed when the FBI went to the JUSTICE dept. they never "slammed the door". They just refused to do one of the many things the FBI asked and the FBI didn't like it.

I understand you are close minded so I'm not going to bother posting links to the articles in referencing. However, I'm sure whatever I posted you would just say something to discredit it. You. Could figure it out if you were smart enough.

Google is your friend.

o this vertsix or martsix etc look like the same person ) paid troll? From FBI perhaps? )

 

[pat500000]

Yep. They know what they're doin'. They'll get it right. LOL!

I actually despised Cook up until this point. Never liked his "lead from behind" style. Now I'm not so sure.

The guy's got some testicles after all.

It's just one issue.

 

[Larry-K]

What?

Cancer doesn't spread through contact (or any other reason). HIV does.

You must have lost your Subscription to JAMA, or missed Michael Douglas's Mea Culpa,

Viruses like HPV can, in fact, cause cancer, and are easily spread.

 

[rdlink]

someone's been reading too many Steve Jobs biographies.
Hyperboles only work if theyre funny or actually related to some way to the issue at hand.
The FBI isn't asking for a 'master key'. They're asking apple for a lifeline as they try to brute force the passcode.
Not to break the encryption.
Nothing groundbreaking here.

I agree with Bill Gates on this - Apple should look to the supreme court for guidance. But a sideshow like this, in my opinion, is a bit over-dramatic and uncalled for.

You're correct that this is uncalled for. So you should be chastising the FBI and DOJ for kicking off this sideshow.

Make no mistake. The FBI cherry picked this case specifically to create a precedent. In case you haven't been paying attention (or actually specifically because you apparently haven't) the FBI director has been ranting loudly and publicly for over two years about the encryption of the iPhone, and decrying its existence. This is an opportunistic power grab by the FBI, and if you don't see that you do not deserve the freedoms your forefathers and true patriots of this nation for generations after, including now gave you.

 

[hauntvictim]

Well said.

The problem here is not that two terrorists may have stored information on their cell phones.

The problem is that they were allowed into the US in the first place.

We don't know who's coming and who's going, and we are not doing anything to prevent people from overstaying their visas. Until we get a handle on our own borders, nothing else will matter. Certainly reducing the security of our personal devices will not fix something that the US President and Congress could have and should have fixed already. No need for nine dark shadowy figures to play God.


That IS a master key! Pay attention in class or we will have to hold you back another year.

Attempts to minimize the importance here is just as bad as the hyperbole you scolded about above.


This goes directly to our freedom in the US. Freedom from a tyrannical government. This is why we have the right to free political speech and the right to bear arms for self protection.

"In my opinion," I'm glad your opinion is just that and that you weren't in charge of writing The Articles of the US Constitution or the Bill of Rights.





Oh, please. We all use dramatic phrasing. We all use analogies and comparisons. I for one am happy to see somebody eschewing lukewarm politically correct language on something so very important.

The points being made here are critically important, so we would all do well to just get over our hurt feelings.



I agree. But I think some of them are literally cowed into meek compliance. The US Government really has become far too powerful, and I think it's because the President takes power that is not his, the courts make laws that are not theirs to make, and the Congress just sits by and watches. We have checks and balances designed to prevent this, but they are not being followed and enforced. And this is how we lose our liberty.

@Flight Plan you just became my best friend. Yes, the government screwed up or more aptly the State Dept in issuing the visa. That being said yes, we need to strengthen our visa rules and borders. As far as Apple goes. I think for this one single iPhone, they should back down. I can't deny court order and neither should Apple, after all aren't corporations people?

 

[mcdspncr]

The government is getting hacked by China on a daily basis, and yet they pretend like wanting security is some sort of paranoid concept. Sad that our privacy and subsequently our 4th amendment is in the hands of Silicon Valley, when it should be the government fighting to protect us. But if that's how it's gotta be, I'm glad it's in Apple's hands. Lock it down Tim! End-to-end encrypt everything, PGP, and local secure vaults!

 

[santaliqueur]

Hey Tim,

I have Stage IV Pancreatic cancer. Doubt it.

I think a more appropriate analogy would be something that can spread through contact/exposure. Maybe you are too sensitive to the mention of AIDS/HIV.

Whoa. Maybe he's just referring to how cancers grow. Might as well call Tim Cook a fag. Ease up there, it's just an expression.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

Take a sip of beer every time tim says "future".

- Drunk after the video.

 

[oldwatery]

A brillant moment for Apple and Cook. Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[old-wiz]

And what happens if Apple does give the FBI the backdoor, and the FBI gets the data and then discovers that the data they were looking for has been encrypted a second time by a third party app which uses a pretty much unbreakable algorithm? If I was using an iPhone for nefarious purposes, I wouldn't put anything on the phone that I didn't want the government to see, unless I did another encryption of my own. The only thing the FBI really wants is a backdoor, no matter what they say.

 

[Larry-K]

Isn't the FBI supposed to prosecute those that do wrong? Why would they ask this?

No, the FBI does not "Prosecute", that's a judicial function. They Investigate, hence the name.

 

[reden]

As much as I like Apple, support their stance and love the tag line

Am I the only one getting even the slightest bit sick and tired of this going on and the seemingly endless article/stories on it?

( again Pro Apple , and totally in favor of them standing firm on this matter )

It's because it's Apple, if it was someone with less brand value like Samsung or Blackberry, it would just be another filler news article.