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Apple hired respected iPhone security researcher Jonathan Zdziarski

“Privacy is sacred,” writes Zdziarski.

Supporters Rally At Apple Stores Against Government Interference Into iPhones
Supporters Rally At Apple Stores Against Government Interference Into iPhones
Bryan Thomas / Getty

Apple hired an important figure from the forensic security and mobile phone hacking community. Jonathan Zdziarski announced today that he accepted a position with Apple’s security engineering and architecture team.

Zdziarski didn’t provide details about what he’ll be doing there, but he did say that his decision to take a job at the hardware giant was motivated by a passion to protect online privacy.

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve accepted a position with Apple’s Security Engineering and Architecture team, and am very excited to be working with a group of like minded individuals so passionate about protecting the security and privacy of others.

This decision marks the conclusion of what I feel has been a matter of conscience for me over time. Privacy is sacred; our digital lives can reveal so much about us – our interests, our deepest thoughts, and even who we love. I am thrilled to be working with such an exceptional group of people who share a passion to protect that.

Known as NerveGas in the hacker community, Zdziarski provided technical expertise during Apple’s run-in with the FBI last year following the San Bernardino shooting when the agency wanted help breaking into a suspect’s iPhone. Zdziarski took apart aspects of the FBI’s case. In 2014, he pointed out a backdoor in iOS devices.

He is also known for his commentary on Twitter, but he appears to have disabled his account. Not surprising now that he’s working for a secretive company like Apple.


This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

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