Apple says it never gave UDID info to the FBI

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Handhelds, Mods / Hacks

Apple has chimed in on the saga of twelve million leaked iOS UDIDs. Apple claims that they never gave that information to the FBI, nor did the FBI ever request it from Apple.

"The FBI has not requested this information from Apple, nor have we provided it to the FBI or any organization. Additionally, with iOS 6 we introduced a new set of APIs meant to replace the use of the UDID and will soon be banning the use of UDID" - Natalie Keriss Apple Spokeswoman

Unique Device Identifiers, or UDIDs, are somewhat similar to a serial number or a social security number for devices. It is comprised of about 40 alphanumeric characters that basically identifies you as the device owner. It could be used for targeted ads and marketing analytics, or it can be utilized for development purposes like app and software distribution.

According to the AntiSec group, it has hacked into the FBI's laptop and managed to get 12 million iOS UDID along with other claimed sensitive information. The FBI has denied that it even had this data and stated it is not aware of any security breach.

"The FBI is aware of published reports alleging that an FBI laptop was compromised and private data regarding Apple UDIDs was exposed. At this time, there is no evidence indicating that an FBI laptop was compromised or that the FBI either sought or obtained this data."  - FBI Press Office

The back and forth has spilled onto Twitter between AntiSec and the FBI:

Statement soon on reports that one of our laptops with personal info was hacked. We never had info in question. Bottom Line: TOTALLY FALSE

— FBI PressOffice (@FBIPressOffice) September 4, 2012

@fbipressoffice Wait, what? So because you don't know of any data breach it never happened? So the conference call was fake, too? 😉

— AnonymousIRC (@AnonymousIRC) September 4, 2012

What nefarious action can be taken with this information is unknown at this time.