With the debate between the FBI and Apple intensifying over whether government officials can force the company to provide it built-in smartphone encryption software, a new survey reveals that security professionals overwhelmingly worry that such a step could aid cybercriminals.
Of those questioned, some 81 percent of 198 security pros at the recent RSA Conference 2016 responded it is “very likely” or “certain” that cybercriminals would “abuse the government’s capability to access encrypted data if technology companies are required to provide it,” according to a statement from Tripwire. The firm’s survey also showed:
- As far as the impact the access would have on consumer and enterprise privacy and security, some 88 percent said it would lessen privacy and security.
- Some 53 percent of those questioned said tech firms should be required to provide access to encrypted data on consumer devices if law enforcement serves them with a warrant or subpoena.
- And 82 percent of those responding said it is “very likely” or “certain” that the government “would abuse their right to access encrypted data if technology companies were required to provide it,” the survey results added.
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