Apple intentionally left iOS 10 kernel unencrypted to optimize system performance
Explaining the decision, an Apple spokesperson toldTechCrunch that because iOS 10's kernel cache does not contain sensitive information, it does not need to be encrypted.
"The kernel cache doesn't contain any user info, and by unencrypting it we're able to optimize the operating system's performance without compromising security," the representative said.
Apple traditionally obfuscates the kernel in order to protect its prized operating system from unwanted probing or reverse engineering, potentially by nefarious agents. The small risk — or no risk, according to Apple — of furnishing unobscured kernel cache data is likely outweighed by potential benefits.
