Chipworks has closely examined the new Apple Lightning Cable and found four embedded chips.
Two of these chips are just a couple of transistors, the third is an NXP NX20P3, and the fourth is a TI chip marked "BQ2025". The TI chip appears to be a serial communication chip with some simple security features.
Previously, we have analyzed security devices regarding medical printer media (armbands), printer cartridges, flash drive memory, batteries, and smart cards, but this is the first secure cable we have seen. The security does not come close to the herculean approaches that are used in (for example) today's printer cartridges, but resembles the level of effort that cartridge manufacturers used to implement in the olden days. This is likely a calculated decision by Apple to keep costs to a minimum knowing that their core customer base prefers to shop in Apple stores or for brand name peripherals. In these places, piracy is not a concern. In other words, at this time the security is "just enough." With future generations of Apple and non-Apple products, we may begin to see even stronger security and control if the market forces merit it.
A recent report said authentication for the Lightning connector has already been cracked allowing third party companies to manufacturer accessories without approval from Apple.
More details and die photos at the link below...
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Two of these chips are just a couple of transistors, the third is an NXP NX20P3, and the fourth is a TI chip marked "BQ2025". The TI chip appears to be a serial communication chip with some simple security features.
Previously, we have analyzed security devices regarding medical printer media (armbands), printer cartridges, flash drive memory, batteries, and smart cards, but this is the first secure cable we have seen. The security does not come close to the herculean approaches that are used in (for example) today's printer cartridges, but resembles the level of effort that cartridge manufacturers used to implement in the olden days. This is likely a calculated decision by Apple to keep costs to a minimum knowing that their core customer base prefers to shop in Apple stores or for brand name peripherals. In these places, piracy is not a concern. In other words, at this time the security is "just enough." With future generations of Apple and non-Apple products, we may begin to see even stronger security and control if the market forces merit it.
A recent report said authentication for the Lightning connector has already been cracked allowing third party companies to manufacturer accessories without approval from Apple.
More details and die photos at the link below...
Read More