Apple has claimed that it had no idea that the National Security Agency had devised backdoor access to their iPhones and said it certainly did not work with the government agency to create it.
According to NBC News, a report leaked by Edward Snowden and published by Der Spiegel shows that the NSA created a program called Dropout Jeep through its Access Network Technology unit.
The report shows that the unit creates "tools for penetrating network equipment and monitoring mobile phones and computers." The program for iPhones allows the NSA to intercept and read geolocation data, SMS and voicemail messages and more. Dropout Jeep could even allow the NSA to use an iPhone's built-in camera and microphone.
Security researcher Jacob Appelbaum waved away Apple's denials saying, "I don't really believe that Apple didn't help [the NSA]." He did add that he didn't have any evidence though.
Reuters reports that Apple released a statement saying, "Apple has never worked with the NSA to create a backdoor in any of our products, including iPhone. Additionally, we have been unaware of this alleged NSA program targeting our products."
The tech company added, "We will continue to use our resources to stay ahead of malicious hackers and defend our customers from security attacks, regardless of who's behind them."
image: Amazon