Encryption expert returns to Apple in wake of San Bernardino standoff

Monday, May 30, 2016

Encryption expert returns to Apple in wake of San Bernardino standoff

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Apple rehires prominent security pro as encryption fight boils


Apple Inc, which has resisted pressure from U.S. law enforcement to unlock encrypted iPhones, this month rehired a top expert in practical cryptography to bring more powerful security features to a wide range of consumer products.

Jon Callas, who co-founded several well-respected secure communications companies including PGP Corp, Silent Circle and Blackphone, rejoined Apple in May, an Apple spokesman said.

Callas has worked for Apple twice before, first from 1995 to 1997 and again from 2009 to 2011. During the second period, he oversaw the upgrades to FileVault in OS X Lion, the first full-disk encryption system to cover the computer's entire home directory. It's unclear what Callas will be working on at Apple, but the move underscores Apple's commitment to disk encryption on its devices, a feature that was at the center of the San Bernardino case earlier this year.
Callas' return to Apple shows how encrypted communications are going mainstream. Silent Circle protects phone calls from eavesdroppers and Blackphone sells a mobile phone that is very difficult to hack. Both companies are small but well regarded.

Apple has said it would continue to increase the security of its products. Companies including Facebook Inc's WhatsApp messaging service have also implemented encryption that makes it harder for law enforcement to access digital information.

"It has always been Jon's dream to bring the most secure products possible to a bigger population," said Mike Janke, who co-founded the secure email company Silent Circle with Callas.





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