Apple responds to anti-phishing criticism

Apple has issued a statement about its anti-phishing technology that was previously described as 'ineffective'.

A report on the Loopinsight.com website claimed that with OS 3.1 installed, the iPhone has an anti-phishing feature, which protects users from malicious websites. However, some users may not have installed the new feature properly, leading to the false assumption that the anti-phishing feature was not working properly.

Apple spokesman, Bill Evans, told The Loop: "Safari's anti-phishing database is downloaded while the user charges their phone in order to protect battery life and ensure there aren't any additional data fees.

"After updating to iPhone OS 3.1 the user should launch Safari, connect to a WiFi network and charge their iPhone with the screen off. For most users this process should happen automatically when they charge their phone."

The Loop claimed that it is necessary for the iPhone to completely download the database before the anti-phishing feature can protect it against phishing websites. This will also allow Apple to update the anti-phishing database when needed to keep users protected.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said: "This doesn't seem the most simple and intuitive procedure in the world to me - and as many new phishing websites are found every day, it's hard to imagine that iPhone owners are going to keep themselves properly up-to-date. Mind you, as many other smartphones don't offer even the most elementary form of anti-phishing protection to their users, maybe we shouldn't be too hard on Apple."