Does Apple Keep the (Hacker) Doctor Away?
In an era where our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology, the security of our digital lives should be of paramount concern. The threat notification from Apple to many users about “State-sponsored attacks on their Apple devices" is important. Not just because it involves few influentials including few opposition politicians. It is predictably devoid of business & media influentials, who may not raise this even if they received such alerts.
Does Apple's reputation for digital security truly keep the (hacker) doctor away, and what should governments do when a tech giant raises the alarm on a global scale? What does this mean for cyber governance ?
Credit is undoubtedly due to Apple for its relentless pursuit of cutting-edge security measures. With robust encryption, biometric authentication, and a steadfast commitment to user privacy, they've set the gold standard for digital fortification. However, even the seemingly invulnerable can falter in the face of relentless adversaries. Imagine receiving a seemingly innocuous notification from your iPhone, bearing an unsettling message. It informs you that state-sponsored attackers are making a brazen attempt to compromise your device, the digital keeper of your most sensitive information. Isn’t that a bit like saying, "Our castle has thick walls, but we saw a group of determined thieves with lock-picks outside"?
The question then arises, if Apple can't keep the (hacker) doctor away, who can? The answer lies in the corridors of power and governance. When a global tech firm, one that serves as a digital gatekeeper to billions, raises the alarm about cyber threats on such a scale, governments worldwide must heed the call to action. Atleast Apple did raise an alarm. No other platform has raised such alarms, and it does not mean that such cyber attacks don’t happen.
Firstly, if these notifications indeed reflect a credible threat, governments should collaborate on a global scale to address these challenges. Just as nations cooperate in the physical world to combat terrorism and criminal organisations, they must unite in the digital realm to tackle cyber threats. A shared framework for cybersecurity, akin to an international alliance, should be established to protect the digital lives of citizens across borders.
Assuming these alarms are less credible, governments must play the role of impartial arbiters. Tech giants like Apple wield unprecedented power, and they need oversight to ensure they don't manipulate or exploit their users. Governments should enact and enforce regulations that safeguard user interests and protect the competitive landscape, all while respecting individual liberties.In essence, the role of governments in dealing with these complex issues is indispensable. They are the custodians of public interest, entrusted to strike the right balance between innovation and accountability. Governments must ensure that the digital realm remains a space where individuals can flourish without constant fear of digital intrusion.
The Union Government has voiced its apprehension and has advocated for a comprehensive inquiry into these occurrences. It is noteworthy that, thus far, there have been no indications of any impact on members of the governing party. According to media reports, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology (IT) is seized of the issue and is deliberating the prospect of summoning Apple representatives, to meet th committee members.
If governments were indeed responsible for cyber intrusions into select phones, it would raise profound concerns about the very institutions tasked with upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens. Such allegations, as made by the Apple advisory claims, point to a breach of trust in the digital age. Governments have a responsibility to safeguard their citizens, but this duty should not extend to unwarranted or indiscriminate digital invasions. It is crucial for governments to strike a balance between national security and individual privacy, adhering to the principles of due process, transparency, and accountability. If and when governments themselves become the perpetrators of cyber intrusions, it threatens the delicate fabric of a democratic society. Which independent third-party institution would then cure such trust gaps and issues associated with those ?
Dr. Srinath Sridharan - Policy Researcher & Corporate advisor / X : @ssmumbai
