Apple iPhone’s security cracked within one week of release

London : Only a week after Apple Inc. launched its iPhone amidst much hype, a hacker has claimed to have overcome restrictions by AT&T's network activation that prevents unauthorised usage of the gadget as a Internet browsing and music device.

Jon Johansen, 23, a prolific hacker of consumer electronics since his teenage days in Norway, has written in his post how he has “found a way to activate a brand new unactivated iPhone" without signing up for the AT&T service.

"The iPhone does not have phone capability, but the iPod and Wi-Fi work. Stay tuned!" New Scientist quoted Johansen’s blog provocatively called ‘So Sue Me’ as saying.

His blog also contains technical details for other hackers, and links to software necessary to complete the process. One potential use for an iPhone user, the blog said, would be to access the iPhone's music player and Internet service over Wi-Fi connections without using a cellphone network.

Elsewhere, AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel has said it is necessary to activate the iPhone on AT&T's network to ensure optimum performance.

Using the phone without AT&T's two-year service contract is also unauthorised under the phone carrier's exclusive contract with Apple, said Siegel, adding that "any other use of the device is not authorised and we can't guarantee the device will perform as intended to”.

“We will monitor situations like this and, if necessary, we will take appropriate action. Our terms and conditions are very clear,” he said.

Apple has, however, refused to comment on the issue.

Apple Spokeswoman Natalie Kerris said Apple was yet to reveal network operator deals in markets outside the US, but the iPhone was a quad-band GSM phone and would work in many parts of Europe and Asia with international roaming deals arranged by AT&T. (ANI)