Apple has always worked to improve the security of its products, and to do so, it has partnered with security vulnerability experts to provide them with special versions of iPhones for research purposes. Unlike regular iPhones, these iPhone devices allow researchers to run their own tools and** in order to find and report potential vulnerabilities in Apple's systems.
Apple isn't secretive about the existence of these special iPhones, but it's also reluctant to go into too much detail. It requires the experts with whom it works to sign a non-disclosure agreement and not to divulge any information about these devices. However, a security researcher, Gergely Kalman, recently tweeted about the special version of the iPhone he received** and instructions, revealing some of Apple's new changes to these devices. Hotspot Engine Program
According to Kalman's release, Apple used the term "jailbreaking" for the first time in its official description to describe the capabilities of these devices. Jailbreaking refers to the act of breaking through the limitations of Apple's system through software or hardware means, allowing users to install apps that are not certified by Apple or modify system settings. Apple has always been against jailbreaking and believes that it will reduce the security and stability of the device.
However, in the description of the special version of the iPhone, Apple writes: "On this device for security research purposes, we have simplified the process of running existing tools. With the Cryptex subsystem, you can sideload the relevant tools and run them with platform permissions and any level of permissions you want. This allows the rest of the security policy to remain enabled, providing the flexibility to jailbreak your device while keeping the system you're investigating in a customer-like state.
According to Bismuth Reading Network, the special version of the iPhone gives researchers the freedom to run the tools and ** they need without affecting the rest of the system. This not only ensures the safety of the equipment, but also improves the efficiency of research. Kalman revealed that the special edition of the iPhone he received was no different from the iPhone 14 Pro on the market. The only difference is that at the bottom of the lock screen there are the words "Security Research Device" and an Apple ** number, presumably to report in case of loss.
In addition, there is a special label on the box that says "Do Not Tear Off" and "Apple Property", as well as a serial number, which Apple indicates on its **. There's also a mark on the side of the phone that reads: Apple Property, Kalman said. Confidentiality and Proprietary.
It is reported that Apple began offering special versions of iPhones to some partners in 2020 and plans to expand its range. These devices are intended for safety research purposes only and are not intended for routine use or other purposes. In this way, Apple hopes to be able to better protect its systems and users from hackers.