After widespread media information about the presence of iOS-devices undocumented services, ostensibly designed to collect user data, the U.S. secret services, Apple issued a rebuttal . According to the corporation, it is a diagnostic services that have no relation to the NSA.
Information about the "bugs" in iOS distributed expert in computer security Zdiziarski Jonathan. He found that for every iPhone and iPad in the background running multiple services (such as «pcapd», «file_relay» and «house_arrest»), which facilitate the collection of data about its owner. Apple, he said, "tried to enable it to gain access to them in the interests of law enforcement agencies."
Apple, in turn, said that he had never worked with government agencies for creating backdoors in their own products or services. Dispel doubts about the honesty of the company designed page on our support website for details about the purpose of each diagnostic service. The company notes that they only collect system information, and users need to confirm preliminary data.
1. Com.apple.mobile.pcapd
pcapd transmits diagnostic information with the iOS-devices on a trusted computer. It is necessary for troubleshooting and diagnosis using mobile applications, as well as corporate VPN-connections in case of problems. More information can be found here: developer.apple.com/library/ios/qa/qa1176.
2. Com.apple.mobile.file_relay
file_relay allows limited copying of diagnostic data from the device. The service operates separately from the tool to create custom backups, do not have access to all information on the device and service functions within iOS Data Protection. Apple has used file_relay on domestic gadgets for testing user configurations. AppleCare helpdesk staff can obtain authorization to use this tool for collecting diagnostic data from user devices.
3. Com.apple.mobile.house_arrest
house_arrest use iTunes to transfer documents between iOS-devices for applications that support this functionality. Service is also used to ensure Xcode send test data to the device application development.