A*Star, SMU researchers first to discover iOS security flaws

Researchers from the SMU School of Information Systems and the Infocomm Security Department at A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) were the first to discover several security weaknesses in Apple’s iOS. The vulnerabilities found by the researchers include pass-code cracking, interference with or control of regular phone use and sending tweets without the user’s awareness and permission.

They alerted Apple and the company corrected the problems before last month's global launch of the latest version of its operating system iOS 7, acknowledging the work done in Singapore.

SMU Vice Provost (Research) and Professor of Information Systems Steven Miller said, “Information security is a core area of research at the SMU School of Information Systems. Our research team not only aims to create impact in the research community, but also in the wider community. I am pleased to note that our researchers have been able to leverage our expertise and technologies to enhance security in cyberspace, and in this case help strengthen the security of the iOS platform to protect the security and privacy of businesses and individuals.”

SMU Professor of Information Systems Robert Deng said that the eight researchers were spurred by the popularity of the iOS operating system. "Some companies also allow their executives to use their personal devices for business, so some people will use the operating system to access business information," he said.