With iOS 11.4.1, Apple introduced a feature that some people may not like.
We are talking about USB Restricted Mode. This is intended to support tools such as GrayKey or similar tools for unlocking iPhones make the work much more difficult. Devices such as GrayKey enable a brute force attack on the iPhone and can crack the code within a short time if it only consists of four to six characters. By introducing this protection mechanism, Apple not only wanted to protect its own customers but also prevent the spread of other such attacks. And it was successful!
The cracking has come to an end
According to security researchers at Elcomsoft, Apple has now definitely succeeded in putting a stop to such code-cracking parties.
With the introduction of the USB Restricted Mode There were teething issues, but Apple has eliminated all problems with iOS 12 at the latest. Elcomsoft states that the current functionality of the protection is not comprehensible despite extensive testing. The security specialists suspect, among other things, a stronger protection in the kernel. Nevertheless, they can say with certainty that the protection is in place and devices such as GrayKey have no chance of cracking iPhones anymore.
Enable USB Restricted Mode
As soon as a device has been updated to at least iOS 11.4.1, the mode is activated automatically. You can find it in the settings under “Touch ID & Passcode” (iPhone X “Face ID & Passcode”).
The switch is disabled by default, so the iPhone must be unlocked before USB accessories can connect if the iPhone has been locked for more than an hour. The battery can always be charged.
