Hacker-friendly iPhones will allow researchers to examine the iPhone Operating System (iOS) for security vulnerabilities and report them easily.
Apple company has started shipping hacker-friendly iPhones to security researchers who are participating in its Security Research Device (SRD) program. These iPhones will allow researchers to examine the iPhone Operating System (iOS) for security vulnerabilities and report them easily.
Researchers will be able to probe these iPhones for the next 12 months, which could be extended by Apple if found necessary. The researchers are expected to report vulnerabilities as soon as they discover them. This effort is a part of Apple's bug bounty program, which awards money to those who report security flaws.
The SDR program is meant to help improve security for all iOS users by bringing more security researchers to the platform and improve efficiency for those already working on iOS security. Participants will receive a special iPhone that offers shell access, allowing users to run any tools and choose their entitlements.
Back in July, Apple announced that it was making a special type of iPhone, consumers wouldn't be able to buy. Instead, this hacker-friendly iDevice would be sent exclusively to security researchers. Usually Apple is known to keep its products like iPhones, iPads and Mac devices safe from hackers
The iPhones, available in the markets have more locked-down version of iOS. This makes it difficult for hackers to install malicious software. However, the hacker-friendly iPhones that is being given to researchers, doesn't have a locked-down version of iOS. This is being given to researchers as Apple realized that locked iOS might be difficult for them to analyse and discover security gaps.
As per Techspot, those interested in participating in the SRD program must be an account holder in the Apple Developer Program and have a proven track record of success in finding security issues on Apple platforms, or other modern OSes and platforms. You’ll also need to be at least 18 years of age and not a current Apple employee (or have worked for the company in the last 12 months).
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