iOS security vulnerability have been criticized by Apple

Google’s reports of a major iOS security vulnerability have been criticized by Apple, which says its rival had exaggerated the impact of the situation.

Last month, Google’s Project Zero research team detailed a bug that could see user data, such as files, messages, and location data, compromised if a user with an affected device visited a malicious website.

Apple Google Security

The vulnerability was repaired six months ago and Apple says it was already in the process of correcting the failures when it was contacted by Google. In fact, he says the problem was solved only 10 days after the communication.

However, Apple has had problems with the disclosure of Google. He refutes the suggestion that the objective was "indiscriminate", arguing that less than a dozen sites were affected, mainly those serving the Chinese Uyghur community, and says the publication unnecessarily caused panic among iOS users.

"The Google publication, issued six months after the release of the iOS patches, creates the false impression of 'mass exploitation' to 'monitor the private activities of entire populations in real time', fueling fear among all iPhone users that your devices have been compromised. " Apple says "This was never the case." Apple considers the relative security of the iOS platform as a key differentiator, so the issue is sensitive to the company.

The company launched an error rewards program for iOS three years ago, offering up to $ 200,000 to ethical hackers who reported vulnerabilities responsibly. However, the upper limit was raised to $ 1 million earlier this year, a measure that would combat claims that the rewards offered were too low.

"Project Zero publishes a technical investigation that is designed to advance the understanding of security vulnerabilities, which leads to better defensive strategies," a Google spokesman told TechRadar Pro.

"We support our in-depth research that was written to focus on the technical aspects of these vulnerabilities. We will continue to work with Apple and other leading companies to help keep people safe online."