Report Grayshift May Have Already Found A Way Around Usb Restricted Mode In Ios 12

USB Restricted Mode was seemingly introduced in response to tools like GrayKey, which connects to a passcode-protected iPhone via Lightning and uses brute-force tactics to gain access. GrayKey and other similar tools are incredibly popular among law enforcement agencies, as well criminals.

In an email obtained by Vice, though, a forensic expert claims that Grayshift has taken steps to “future proof” its technologies and has already defeated Apple’s new USB Restricted Mode:

Of course, it’s always possible that this security researcher is bluffing, though one would have to question that tactic as it would only push Apple to implement even stricter features to thwart tools like GrayKey.

As Apple said in its statement and we reiterated this morning, USB Restricted Mode isn’t necessarily designed to make the jobs of law enforcement agencies harder as many criminals also use GrayKey and similar devices to access private user data. However, the new feature is said to be causing a wave of worry among law enforcement:

USB Restricted Mode is currently in beta testing and will launch to the public soon, according to Apple. The company’s full statement from yesterday can be found here.