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Ramesh Sharma

User priorities.

D. Murali
S.P. Srinivasarangan

Looks like the iPhone, which was launched recently in India with a lot of fanfare, may not be without its own set of hitches.

Rajat Khare, CEO, Appin Security Group (ASG) — an Information Security R&D organisation offering security services such as protection from hackers, application security, and piracy prevention — sees several challenges in the use of iP hone, at least in the early stages. He is of the view that without a proper convergent network in place, all the features that the iPhone has on offer cannot be fully utilised.

Rajat Khare

Khare is of the opinion that while the iPhone still has an edge in its frills and packaging, it will have to match competition in terms of features and pricing.

However, despite these immediate challenges, he is bullish that market forces will pave the way for iPhones with complete usability features within the next six months.

ASG, which has a centre in IIT Delhi, plans to invest $2 million in R&D in the next couple of years with dedicated labs for research in the fields of Information Security, Nanotechnology and Robotics. The company’s clients include Rashtrapati Bhawan, Microsoft Corporation, GMR Group – Hyderabad Airport and MTNL, among others.

In an exclusive interview with eWorld over e-mail, Khare shares his thoughts on iPhones and safety measures for users. Excerpts:

What are the challenges relating to the use of the recently launched iPhone, specifically with reference to security?

There are four-five immediate broad challenges relating to the iPhone. Absence of 3G network has meant that one will not be able to experience the real benefits of the iPhone.

No convergence-based video conferencing, no mega surfing speed, no streaming AV features, no multiplayer gaming possible and no data integrity with sensitive applications are other challenges.

SMS forwarding is another bottleneck, which other handsets are easily integrated with. The non-availability of a video camera hampers a very integral feature of a smart phone clubbed with stylised features. Low Internet and PC penetration presents another roadblock. Even amongst those in metros and large cities who own PCs, only a small segment has Apple’s iTunes on their systems. And slow Internet speed is likely to frustrate users attempting to download iTunes.

High cost is another challenge. At the same cost at which the iPhone is being currently sold, there are other handsets available with power packed additional features.

A few of the security related challenges include features such as Internet, applications that can be installed and backup application. Sending SMS without display on the screen, call attendance without being displayed on screen and also vulnerabilities in safari browser are also challenges.

How do you see these impacting the user?

These challenges affect different strata of iPhone users — from enthusiastic teens to business users and professionals. Without a proper convergent network in place, all the features the iPhone has on offer cannot be fully utilised. As opposed to others, the iPhone still has edge in its frills and packaging but when it comes to usability, it has to match the competition in terms of both what it has to offer, feature-wise, as well as costing.

Globally, how have these issues been tackled?

Major markets where the iPhone has been introduced are already working on 3G networks. Transition from iPhone 2G to 3G has seen major shifts in features with certain additions in terms of convergence. However, the basic features are slightly hampered. Other countries have tried to adapt to what the iPhone has to offer in its current 3G shape but the steep price here is a factor that one is probably witnessing for the first time.

What are the safeguards one should take before using the iPhone?

Basic safeguards involve:

Using a third party anti-virus (AV) in order to ensure the data transfer from untrustworthy parties is checked against. According to recent reports, a Spanish hacker has found a way for applications on mobiles running Symbian’s S60 operating system to obtain access to all files on the device. The starting point was a PC connection to Symbian’s debugging interface. It has now, however, been made to work merely by installing an application in SISX format. In this respect, it resembles recent approaches to cracking the iPhone. In contrast to normal S60 software, the hack can be installed on the phone despite not being signed.

A proper scan is suggested if the iPhone is being operated for premium business use.

Any immediate solutions on offer…

No. The solution specifically for iPhone security is being formalised, but yes there is a security service that can audit whether the device is infected with some remote Trojan script.

Finally, what is your message to iPhone users?

From a security point of view, one should stay alert. I would caution them against installing unknown applications. I would also suggest that they get the phone regularly formatted. It will be not more than six months when market forces, on both the technology and business front, will pave the way to welcome the iPhone in India with complete acceptance and usability.

dmurali@thehindu.co.in

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