iOS 14 has added a new "BlastDoor" security system to iPhones and iPads to stop attacks via the Messages app.
Apple itself has not provided information about the new security add-on. It was revealed yesterday by Samuel Groß, security researcher at Google's "Project Zero".
Groß describes BlastDoor as a "sandbox", a "sandbox" that outside the operating system analyzes all insecure data in iMessages.
A "sandbox" is used to run untested or unreliable programs or codes from third parties, users and websites, without risking damage to the host computer or operating system.
BlastDoor inspects all incoming messages in a secure environment to prevent malicious code from interacting with iOS or accessing user data
The processing of most complex, untrusted data has been moved to the BlastDoor service. The feature is designed to prevent specific types of attacks and hacking. ZDNet points out that security researchers have previously identified errors that can leave an iPhone open for infiltration, something BlastDoor should be able to prevent.
Groß found the new feature after analyzing a hacking campaign targeting Al Jazeera journalists. The attack did not work in OSiOS 14. He investigated why and then he discovered BlastDoor.
This makes the iMessage platform significantly more secure.
The comment field below the article reveals that not everyone is still equally confident about security. Brandon42 asks "How can you trust that the messages do not pass through a server controlled by the authorities?" Osamede answers:
"SNOWDEN IS STUCK IN EXIL AND STILL IT SEEMS THAT NO ONE UNDERSTANDS WHAT HE REVEALED AND WHO GOT HIM IN TROUBLE: THE GOVERNMENT COLLECTS ALL YOUR DATA!"
Those interested in seeing how BlastDoor works can visit Project Zero and read more about it on Google Project Zero.