Apple disables jailbreak detection API in iOS 4.2.1
Network World is reporting that Apple has disabled their jailbreak detection API in the latest iOS 4.2.1 update.
The API was originally bundled into iOS 4.0 and gave Apple and third party vendors the ability to detect jailbreaks by finding changes to the iOS system software. According to the report, Apple has not provided a reason for the API to be disabled, but vendors can utilize other methods to detect modifications to iOS.
Jailbreaking is mostly known for allowing users to install unofficial software and carrier unlocks onto their iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Network World suggests that jailbroken devices can be a threat to enterprise security since there is a possibility that malware could be present in unauthorized apps.
Jailbreaking is not illegal but Apple maintains that it will void your warranty, for this reason it is wise to undo a jailbreak before taking any iOS hardware into service with Apple.
Network World needs to check the speed of Apple responses to security issues. Malware, like say, the Safari hole that was unpatched for months, comes from more than just ‘hackers.’