Re:A Message to Our Customers
by Trundle on Wednesday February 17, 2016 @04:22AM
(#11116477)
I don't have an iPhone so correct me if I'm remembering correctly but aren't they by default protected by a 4 digit numeric pin? A 4 digit numeric pin that a brute force attack can be used on is effectively no security/a backdoor imo.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
There are escalating time limits on incorrect PIN attempts, which is also enforced in hardware by the Secure Enclave in A7 chips and above. This would mean even breaking a 4-digit pin code without that delay being removed would take a long time. Additionally the device may be set to wipe after 10 incorrect attempts.
Attempts | Delay
1-4: none
5: 1 minute
6: 5 minutes
7-8: 15 minutes
9: 1 hour
Source: https://www.apple.com/business/docs/iOS_Security_Guide.pdf
Secure Enclave is _not_ hardware; despite being isolated from the main OS and CPU, it is still software-based and accepts software updates signed by Apple.
Re:A Message to Our Customers
by mynameisvlad on Wednesday February 17, 2016 @04:33AM
(#11116543)
I believe the default on new installs is now 6, but options for a more complex PIN, either numeric or straight up alphanumeric, are available.