Apple Device Codes Hacked? Not So Says FBI

by Holly Shoemaker

A hacking group, known as Anonymous, posted claims this week that it accessed 12 million Apple device codes, also known as unique device identifier numbers (UDIDs), from an FBI computer. Now, Apple and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have said the claim lacks merit.

Anonymous said it accessed the data in March by hacking into an FBI laptop. The group claimed the flaws in Java allowed hackers to obtain the IDs. Hackers have taken advantage of these security flaws in the past to infect Macs and PCs. Yesterday, the FBI confirmed that its laptops were not used and that no one from the FBI gathered this data. Apple also said it did not provide any organization with the account information.

Security Breach?

At this time, the FBI has said it does not consider this a serious security breach. In looking at the information, it does mostly come across as a bunch of rants, although it appears hackers have posted some actual user devices and unique codes assigned to iPhones, iPads and other devices.

Are Device Codes Threatening? 

By themselves, hackers cannot really do much with the device codes. The issue of privacy comes into question when the UDIDs are viewed with sensitive information like addresses and phone numbers. In this case, it does not appear Anonymous has that additional information, or at least, the group has not posted that.

Apple took proactive measures against hacking prior to the incident. The latest version of software for the iPhone and other devices will have a feature that replaces UDIDs. That should provide better security protection for users.

Will Mountain Lion Roar? Developers Receive Preview of New Mac OS

by Holly Shoemaker

Developers got a sneak peek today of Apple’s updates to its Mac operating system, “Mountain Lion.” The update will allow users to copy additional app features from iPhones and iPads to Macs.

Overview of Updates

The Mountain Lion preview, an update of the previous version known as Lion, allows app developers to make products in advance that use the new features. Some of the new features include:

• Game Center – An iPhone app that stores high game scores and connects users with opponents. The app will integrate with iCloud, the Internet storage service used on mobile devices.
• Notification Center – This will show changes made from calendars and email. It should function like the one used on the iPhone.
• Messages app – This replaces iChat and the format will be copied from the mobile operating system. Those who use Lion have the ability to download a free preview version of the app.

Apple will release the software to the public this summer. At this time, Apples has not released what Mountain Lion will cost. Apple sells Lion for $30.

Concluding Thoughts

This is a good move for Apple and helps the company integrate its line of products. This may also help Apple increase its computer sales. The preview release to developers has a strategic component too. Developers already have a preview version of Windows 8. Microsoft will release Windows 8 later this year.