Apple Issues New Security Themed Q&A On Site

A U.S. federal judge has demanded Apple Inc. AAPL unlock an iPhone used by 1 of the suspects in the San Bernardino terrorist attacks. The company's response was that doing so would represent a "dangerous precedent" as it is "too dangerous" to create in the first place. Related Link: Apple Pushback iPhone Linked To Terror Attack Represents Larger Battle Between Tech Companies & Lawmakers Apple followed up its letter with a new Q&A page on its website. The company reaffirmed its position on the matter, noting that allowing a passcode to be entered electronically would "make it easier to unlock an iPhone by "brute force," trying thousands or millions of combinations with the speed of a modern computer." "We built strong security into the iPhone because people carry so much personal information on our phones today, and there are new data breaches every week affecting individuals, companies and governments," Apple added. "The passcode lock and requirement for manual entry of the passcode are at the heart of the safeguards we have built in to iOS. It would be wrong to intentionally weaken our products with a government-ordered backdoor. If we lose control of our data, we put both our privacy and our safety at risk." Here is a summary of some of the questions and answers: Q: "Is it technically possible to do what the government has ordered?" A: :"Yes.. But it's something we believe is too dangerous to do." Q: "Could Apple build this operating system just once, for this iPhone, and never use it again?" A: "In the physical world you can destroy something and it's gone. But in the digital world, the technique, once created, could be used over and over again, on any number of devices." Q: "Has Apple unlocked iPhones for law enforcement in the past?: A: "No." Q: "The government says your objection appears to be based on concern for your business model and marketing strategy. Is that true?" A: "We feel strongly that if we were to do what the government has asked of us — to create a backdoor to our products — not only is it unlawful, but it puts the vast majority of good and law abiding citizens, who rely on iPhone to protect their most personal and important data, at risk." Q: "Is there any other way you can help the FBI?" A: "We have done everything that's both within our power and within the law to help in this case. As we've said, we have no sympathy for terrorists."