The Russian domestic secret service FSB has accused the US intelligence service NSA of spying on several thousand iPhones. This is due to a newly discovered piece of malware that exploits vulnerabilities built into Apple devices. The targets of the campaign are said to be from Russia, as well as devices registered with diplomatic missions and embassies from NATO countries, ex-Soviet republics, Israel, the UAE, and China.
The campaign demonstrates a close cooperation between Apple and US intelligence agencies, challenging Apple’s claim to protect devices. The FSB claims to have discovered the espionage campaign with the FSO, responsible for protecting the Russian President and government. Anomalies specific to Apple cell phone users were uncovered in telecommunications infrastructure analysis. Further analysis uncovered the malware, likely used against several thousand devices.
Apple is described as an accomplice offering US intelligence agencies a range of options to monitor people of interest. Neither Apple nor the NSA have responded to Reuters’ allegations. In recent years, Apple has implemented security measures on iPhones, such as device encryption, criticized by US authorities.
During Donald Trump’s presidency, Apple was required to release data from undesirable politicians, employees, and family members through legal channels. The accusation of intentionally building vulnerabilities into iOS for the NSA is significant in light of Apple’s history with US authorities.
