Dive Brief:
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Chinese authorities launched a “man-in-the-middle” attack on Apple’s iCloud as the new iPhones 6 launched there, according to a report by GreatFire.org, an organization that monitors Chinese censorship. Sales of the new iPhones began in China Friday after a delay in the government’s approval.
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“Man-in-the-middle” attacks are a type of cyber-eavesdropping, and GreatFire.org says the hack could be a way for the Chinese government to work around Apple’s added security features, especially at a time of protests in Hong Kong. Github, Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo have suffered similar attacks this year, according to GreatFire.org.
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Apple has declined to comment specifically on the incident so far. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the Chinese government is "resolutely opposed" to hacking, Reuters reports.
Dive Insight:
GreatFire.org is an organization of anonymous cyber experts that monitor censorship and cyber activities in China. In their report they said the hack was likely tied to ongoing protests in Hong Kong and a “clear message” that the Chinese government was going to work around Apple’s added security features. In fact, some observers believe the hack was indeed a blatant move intended to send Apple a message.
Information and communications technology expert Lawrence Lundy told CNBC that the incident shows how companies have to balance privacy concerns with government priorities when working in China.