FBI Director: Unlocking Method Works on ‘Narrow Slice’ of iPhones

The FBI’s method for unlocking an iPhone belonging to one of the attackers in San Bernardino, California, would only work on a very “narrow slice” of devices, according to the bureau’s director. As a result, FBI Director James Comey said, he is confident that the tool would not help unlock newer phones. Federal authorities have not revealed the outside group that helped them unlock the San Bernardino phone, a device at the center of a weeks-long fight between the FBI and Apple over balancing privacy and security. Nor have they…

Microsoft Lumia 650 Dual SIM Listed Online at Rs. 16,599

For everyone anxiously waiting for the release of a new Windows Phone, Microsoft appears set to soon begin selling the Lumia 650 in India. While the company’s official India store still lists it as ‘Coming Soon’, a third-party seller has listed the smartphone for sale at Rs. 16,599 via Amazon India. The Microsoft Lumia 650 was originally unveiled in February, when Microsoft said the smartphone strikes the “perfect balance between work and personal needs.” It is the most recent Lumia to be launched, and is among a handful of smartphones…

Google Acknowledges Vulnerability in Millions of Android Devices; Promises Fix

Millions of Android smartphones and tablets are vulnerable to security attacks, Google has warned. The vulnerability, if exploited, gives an app unfettered root access, circumventing various Android security layers. The Mountain View-based company has made available a patch to OEMs, and says it is currently working on a fix for the Nexus lineup. Security researchers spotted an app in the Google Play, Android’s marquee app store, which tries to leverage the vulnerability. Android inherited the flaw from Linux years ago. Interestingly, Linux developers fixed the bug in 2014, and it…

US Government Calls Apple Rhetoric ‘False’ in iPhone Case

The US Justice Department on Thursday said Apple Inc’s rhetoric was “false” in a high-profile fight over the government’s bid to unlock an encrypted iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters. Last month, the Federal Bureau of Investigation obtained a court order requiring Apple to write new software and take other measures to disable passcode protection and allow access to shooter Rizwan Farook’s iPhone. Apple has not complied. It said the government request would create a “back door” to phones that could be abused by criminals and governments,…