Apple CEO Tim Cook is said to be scheduled to speak at the upcoming White House Cyber Summit
Stanford plans to host a cyber-security event at which U.S. officials will unveil a new internet security initiative and outline President Obama’s plans to get tech companies to cooperate with the government on security measures. Cook is expected to speak at the event, but it’s not certain what topics he will cover. Apple has yet to confirm if this rumor is true.
Apple to address its stance on internet security
National security is a huge issue that affects everyone. Incidences such as the Sony Pictures hack late last year highlight the current flaws within cyber-security standards. President Obama pointed to North Korea as the culprit of the hack.
The issue started years ago when former NSA consultant Edward Snowden leaked private information involving national security. The leaked documents were released over several weeks to show how the government catalogued personal information, including phone calls, emails and text messages.
The government claimed such spy tactics are part of monitoring terrorist activities. Some corporations took matters into their hands by suing the government. Apple remained on the U.S. government’s list concerning security. The company’s iOS system features built-in encryption that keeps the government from eavesdropping. Two years ago, a federal agent complained that Apple’s encryption makes it impossible to intercept communications between Apple smartphones.
U.S. government concerned with encrypted technologies
Apple has made it a top policy to encrypt data across its products. During an interview last year, Cook admitted he was not interested in owning private user information. If the government sent Apple a subpoena to obtain information from an iMessage, the company could not give it because the messages are encrypted and Apple cannot provide the key.
James Comey, director of the FBI, claimed iOS 8 and Android 5.0 Lollipop make it nearly impossible for the law enforcement to conduct investigations.
