Tim Cook Responds To FBI's Request To Build A Backdoor In iPhone Devices, States It Is 'Too Dangerous To Create'

Apple Inc. AAPL's CEO Tim Cook wrote an open response to the FBI's request to build a backdoor to the iPhone. Cook noted that the entire company was "shocked and outraged" following the "deadly act of terrorism" in San Bernardino. The executive fully complied with all requests for assistance - as is the norm with valid subpoenas and search warrants. Apple also made its engineers available to advise the FBI, as Cook added "we have no sympathy for terrorists." However, the FBI is now requesting Apple make a new version of the iPhone operating system and install new software which have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone's physical possession. "The FBI may use different words to describe this tool, but make no mistake: Building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor," Cook wrote. "And while the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control." Cook continued that the government is asking the company to "hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers — including tens of millions of American citizens — from sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals." As such, the company is"challenging the FBI's demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country." Stock Reaction Shares of Apple were little changed following Cook's letter as the stock was higher by just 0.09 percent at $96.64. Cybersecurity related names were also unaffected as shares of FireEye Inc FEYE were unchanged at $13.21. Other cybersecurity stocks, such as Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. CHKP and Symantec Corporation SYMC showed no trades.