The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused the United States Intelligence Community of hacking into “thousands of Apple phones” in order to conduct surveillance on Russian diplomats.
The United States targeted iOS devices using malware that had not been seen before, according to a statement that was released by the FSB on Thursday. The Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky published a report on iOS malware that originated from an unknown source on Thursday as well. Initially, a spokesperson for Kaspersky indicated that the business was unable to verify whether or not the two attacks were related. However, an hour later, she gave an amended reply in which she noted that Russia’s computer security agency has previously officially acknowledged that the signs of breach in both reports are the same.
According to allegations from Russian media, in March the administration of the Russian president reportedly gave its personnel the instruction to dispose of any Apple devices they may have. There will be no more iPhones. According to the article, one of the administration’s staffers advised the individuals to “either throw them away or give them to your kids.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation did not disclose any specific information on the suspected victims or the malware’s technical aspects.
“due to the absence of technical details reported by them,” the representative for Kaspersky said, the company was unable to validate all of the FSB’s conclusions. According to the FSB, the virus did not just affect users located inside Russia; it also targeted international numbers and wireless customers located outside of the country who use SIM cards registered with diplomatic missions and embassies located within Russia. On the list were nations from both the post-Soviet area and the NATO alliance, in addition to China, Israel, and Syria.
According to reports from Russian intelligence, the inquiry allegedly uncovered evidence that Apple is working along with the National Security Agency (NSA) of the United States. The Financial Services Board (FSB) noted that this demonstrates that Apple’s declared commitment to preserving the privacy of user data is, in reality, dishonest.
The NSA did not want to comment on the matter. Reporters have received an email from Apple with a declaration to the effect that the company does not collaborate with governments in order to include backdoors into its devices. The Federal Bureau of Investigation did not disclose any specific information on the suspected victims or the malware’s technical aspects.
Information security specialist, currently working as risk infrastructure specialist & investigator.
15 years of experience in risk and control process, security audit support, business continuity design and support, workgroup management and information security standards.
