F-Secure chief slams Apple's Siri security

HELSINKI: Apple's Siri service is not suitable for use on business networks according to security firm F-Secure.

The firm's vice president Maria Nordgren cited Apple's lack of a corporate security policies as a key reason for the service's weakness during a press conference in Helsinki.

"Four out of 10 users don't worry about corporate data and don't think it will leak. Take Siri, it's cute right, I like it but if you ask it a question, the data is not stored on the iPhone - it goes to a datacentre in Oregon," said Nordgren.

"If anyone was interested in that information you're screwed."

Bordgren warned that by sending the information outside of the company, businesses are opening yet another door for hackers. If attackers were able to access the Siri-related data, they can learn workers' web search history, location data and contact and friends' names - all of which could be used to help create sophisticated phishing scams.

The F-Secure chief also claimed many big businesses are already aware of Siri's vulnerabilities.

"IBM have already denied the use of Siri as there is no way of knowing what information is going out about your company," said Nordgren.

The news comes after Apple announced Siri will be launching on its new iPad as a part of its iOS 6 upgrade during its WWDC event.

As well as Siri for iPad, Apple also announced several new security features for its forthcoming new OS X version, Mountain Lion.