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Apple Says iPhone Jailbreaking Could Hurt Cell Towers

AHuxley writes "Apple suggests that the nation's cellphone networks could be open to 'potentially catastrophic' cyberattacks by iPhone-using hackers at home and abroad if iPhone owners are permitted to legally jailbreak their wireless devices. The Copyright Office is currently considering a request by the Electronic Frontier Foundation to legalize the widespread practice of jailbreaking. Apple has responded to the request by saying that if the 'baseband processor' software — which enables a connection to cell phone towers — is exposed, then a user could crash the tower software, or use the Exclusive Chip Identification number to make calls anonymously. Apple also thinks its closed business model is what made the iPhone a success. The Vodafone scandal from a few years back showed how a network could be compromised, but that was from within. So, what do you think? Is Apple playing the 'evil genius' hacker card or can 'anyone' with a smartphone and a genius friend pop a US cell tower?"

6 of 495 comments (clear)

  1. Think of the towers by ColdWetDog · · Score: 4, Funny

    Those poor little cell phone towers. I'm glad somebody is thinking about them.

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    1. Re:Think of the towers by Anonymusing · · Score: 4, Funny

      "Blueboxing. There's an app for that!"

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  2. Re:hmm... by Chrisq · · Score: 5, Funny

    Absolutely, If you have a PC with a 3G wireless card you should not be allowed to install any software.

  3. This will save us! by Abraxis · · Score: 4, Funny

    Because it being illegal will stop those intent on using their phones for nefarious purposes FROM JAILBREAKING THEIR iPHONES? Sorta like how traffic laws will prevent robbers from double parking while pulling a bank heist (double parking the vehicle can speed the getaway!!).

  4. hahahahaha by Culture20 · · Score: 5, Funny

    and hahahahahaha!
    Maybe if people put their jailbroken phones in trebuchets and fire them at cell towers...

  5. Additional Research by Kozar_The_Malignant · · Score: 4, Funny

    Additional research by Apple Labs has shown that unlocked iPhones cause erectile dysfunction, global warming, birth defects, and leprosy. Protect yourself by purchasing a new, locked iPhone with a five year contract extension. It's the only way to be safe.

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    Some mornings it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints to get out of bed.