Apple: 'Error 53' Security Comes at a Price

The ubiquitous software update seems to appear at the most inconvenient of times on our phones, computers, tablets, games consoles, and even televisions. Although it is often tempting to hit the "install later" option, it’s our increasing awareness of the risks of missing those critical security fixes that prompt us to dive in head first. 

However, Apple users got more than they bargained for after downloading the iOS 9 updates that claim to protect its users only to place the phone in an unrecoverable state. Any device that has had the TouchID repaired by a third party will instantly fail security checks and display the now infamous ‘Error 53’ message which then renders the phone unusable. 

Essentially, users that sent their phone to one of the many third party phone repair stores to have the home button or screen replaced rather than pay Apple to do the job, are now finding themselves with an $800 brick on their hands. 

Although Apple urged users who encountered the problem to contact their local store, many were advised that unauthorized repairs had in fact voided the device's Apple warranty. Meanwhile, the purchasing of used handsets from eBay or any third party seller that could have been repaired by someone other than Apple during its lifespan just became an incredibly risky move too. Apple spokesperson:

"We protect fingerprint data using a secure enclave, which is uniquely paired to the Touch ID sensor. When iPhone is serviced by an authorized Apple service provider or Apple retail store for changes that affect the Touch ID sensor, the pairing is re-validated. This check ensures the device and the iOS features related to Touch ID remain secure" 

Adding more fuel to the fire, users are also becoming frustrated by their much cheaper third party phone chargers being rendered useless after Apple software updates. When these changes are combined with the error 53 fiasco, there seems to be a growing rebellion against this form of customer imprisonment that is designed to keep users dependent on Apple support and Apple accessories. 

Discovering that their repaired phone is now completely dead has predictably angered users all over the world. However in Apple’s defense, this story is not as black and white as it might first appear. Apple Pay now enables users to store all of their bank and credit card details, the TouchID reader and the fingerprint system on the iPhones itself making them vulnerable to a wide range of attacks if the security is compromised. 

There is also an argument that those innocent, cheap phone chargers also represent electrical or fire risk to people's homes. Our "where there is blame, there is a claim" culture has forced large corporations to act responsibly to ensure that both safety and security are paramount features on all of their devices. However, Apple might argue that they now find themselves in a damned if you do, damned if you don’t territory. 

The online community is fiercely debating this contentious issue, and Android fans proudly point out that error number one is buying an apple product in the first place. However, I do ask - are we not guilty of not taking our security and safety seriously considering just how much information is stored on our mobile devices nowadays?

On the flip side of this argument, there is the recent news story that for the first time sales of the iPhone are in decline and releasing a software patch that renders a user's smartphone useless forcing them to upgrade is incredibly convenient. Releasing a patch that stops a product working without warning its customers beforehand is most definitely considered bad form no matter which side of the fence you sit on. 

In these security-conscious times, Apple has a responsibility to protect both its product and their users from very sophisticated cyber criminals who will stop at nothing to compromise your personal data. The big question is have Apple adopted the fear makes the wolf look bigger philosophy to introduce draconian policies that leave consumers heavily reliant on their services. 

What are your opinions on the controversial Error 53 story? Do you applaud Apple for protecting your credit card data or do you believe this is a conspiracy to boost flagging sales of the iPhone handset?

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