Local expert says Apple should hack attackers phone

A local security expert is weighing in on whether or not Apple should hack the San Bernardino attackers’ phone.

James Uberti, CEO of Bumblebee wireless, explained the ramifications if this code was created.

While he thinks Apple should hack the phone, he said creating that backdoor is like opening Pandora’s box.

“There’s a lot at stake here. Not only the information that’s retained on the cellphone, but also our privacy,” Uberti said.

He said this problem doesn’t have a simple answer.

“I think it’s a very difficult question. But if you have nothing to hide then I think having law enforcement technology out there is something that will safeguard you essentially from any potential terrorist attacks or things of that nature,” Uberti said.

As it is, iPhones have the ability to erase all the data on a phone if a certain number of wrong passwords are attempted.

The question is if the attackers had that setting enabled.

“Apple needs to build a software program that actually releases that password and pin number on that cellphone,” Uberti said.

Uberti said the bigger question is what happens after that code is created.

“Once they release that information, who’s protecting it? Who’s manipulating it? Who’s using it for the good of uncovering threats? That’s a big question mark,” Uberti said.

He said the government has the potential to try to get a copy of that code to use it later.

And what about the people who worked on the software?

“Then you have the potential of the employees who worked on it. And are they at risk?” Uberti said.

Ultimately, there’s not an easy answer.

“This is not just a cellphone privacy, this is much larger. This is huge on how this is going to unravel and the decisions that are going to be made. And basically the course of the future will be dictated on what the government can and cannot do,” Uberti said.

The clock is ticking with apple only having five days to respond to the order.