Cellebrite is an Israel based company and according to its revelation, it can hack into any iPhone or iPad running any version of the iOS. We should mention that according to Apple, there are 1.4 billion active devices running on iOS in 2019. If Cellebrite’s revelation is correct, then the same 1.4 billion Apple devices may be potentially at risk of getting hacked. However, we should also point out that the company has not made this claim only about iOS devices. It has also said that it can hack into any Android handset too.
We should mention that Cellebrite uses a hacking tool to accomplish these hacks and now, the company is also planning to sell it. The hacking tool is capable of extracting complete data from any iOS device’s system. However, it is worth adding that the tool requires the individual to have the physical possession of the device. Once he possesses the Apple device, he can use the hacking tool to break and enter the system. Currently, the hacking tool is being sold on eBay for $100 (approximately Rs 7,000). Needless to say, this is extremely dangerous as anyone can now buy the tool to hack into someone’s iPhone or iPad and extract data. It should be noted that the revelation of Cellebrite seems more real if we look at the fact that the FBI had collaborated with the company back in 2016 to crack an iPhone after Apple had refused to provide a backdoor to the FBI. Apple will soon be rolling out the iOS 13 to its iPhones and iPads. If the tool by Cellebrite actually has the potential of breaking into any iPhone or iPad, we can expect Apple to find a fix and roll it out in the iOS 13. However, if this indeed happens, then those who will not be getting the upgrade to iOS 13 may face a big security concern.
