For several years, Apple has made it harder to crack iPhones and iPads. This is not only for protection against hackers, but also security services and malicious parties cannot just unlock your iDevice.
For iPhones and iPads, the Lightning or USB-C connection is the only entrance gate to physically connect to the device. These ports are not only used to charge the device, but can also be used to synchronize or by other reading apps. In addition, the gate can serve as a connection option for external health equipment, headphones, memory sticks, etc.
Access to Lightning or USB-C port is limited
As soon as the iPhone or iPad is locked, the Lightning or USB-C port will remain available for external devices that are connected for an hour. The access code must then be entered to continue the process or synchronization. Charging the device is always possible, regardless of the blocking for external devices.
The security can be found since iOS 11.4.1 and automatically blocks USB accessories that want access to the device after 60 minutes. Previously it was even possible to gain access to the iDevice in this way, even if it has not been used for weeks.
In addition to this size control, you must always trust a new device that you connect via the iPhone/iPad port before you can use it. This is also the case, for example, when you connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac, every so often you have to confirm the coupling by responding to the ‘confidence’.
Trust this accessory
The message ‘Trust this computer’ or ‘trust this accessory’ appears on your iPhone or iPad when you first connect the device to a computer or accessory. The message is important because you can indicate whether you want to give that computer or accessory access to your data.
By tapping ‘trust’, for example, the computer can synchronize your iPhone or iPad, make backup copies and approach your photos, contacts and other data. If you opt for ‘not trust’, access to your data for this device is blocked. After you have tapped ‘trust you must enter the access code of your iPhone or iPad to confirm the adjustment.
Always switch on access to USB accessories
The above measure is enabled by default, this means that a USB accessory can use up to 60 minutes after locking on an iPhone without having to unlock. If you prefer to always gain access (not recommended), you can follow the steps below to switch this on again.
- Open settings
- Navigate to ‘Touch ID/Face ID and access code’
- Select the ‘(USB) accessories’ option
Developed with an eye on privacy
Specialized companies such as Grayshift and Cellebrite have developed equipment and software to crack an iPhone or iPad through the port. An example of this is the Graykey-Unlocker who tried via the Lightning port to find out the access code of an iDevice by trying out thousands of combinations. There were even suspicions that the American police This technique has used to unlock telephones from suspects.
Apple himself says that the new security has not been created to thwart investment services, but just to protect its users. For example, criminals and spies also use this equipment and there are countries that do not take that closely with the privacy of their citizens or guests.