Renowned practical cryptography expert Jon Callas is returning to Apple to help the iPhone-maker stay ahead of hackers and the FBI in its on going battle with security.
Callas co-founded well known secure communications companies such as Silent Circle, Blackphone, and PGP Corp. This will be his third stint at Apple where he is expected to ramp up security features across Apple’s wide ranging product line up.
Apple has been fighting a public battle against federal law enforcement over balancing user’s security and right to privacy with national security. After the FBI attempted to order Apple to unlock the San Bernardino terrorist’s iPhone, CEO Tim Cook has doubled down on security.
Callas rejoined Apple in May, according to an Apple spokesman that talked to Reuters. He last worked at Apple from 2009 to 2011 and was tasked with designing an encryption system for data on Macs. During his other stint in 1995 to 1997, Callas was Apple’s Security Privateer and created features like ‘FileVault 2’ full-disk encryption
When he hasn’t been working for Apple, Callas created a mobile phone that’s nearly impossible to hack for BlackPhone, and he worked at Silent Circle, which encrypts phone calls.
