Unauthorized Touch ID sensor repairs causing problems


The Guardian:

A spokeswoman for Apple told Money (get ready for a jargon overload): "We protect fingerprint data using a secure enclave, which is uniquely paired to the touch ID sensor. When iPhone is serviced by an authorised Apple service provider or Apple retail store for changes that affect the touch ID sensor, the pairing is re-validated. This check ensures the device and the iOS features related to touch ID remain secure. Without this unique pairing, a malicious touch ID sensor could be substituted, thereby gaining access to the secure enclave. When iOS detects that the pairing fails, touch ID, including Apple Pay, is disabled so the device remains secure."

She adds: "When an iPhone is serviced by an unauthorised repair provider, faulty screens or other invalid components that affect the touch ID sensor could cause the check to fail if the pairing cannot be validated. With a subsequent update or restore, additional security checks result in an 'error 53' being displayed ... If a customer encounters an unrecoverable error 53, we recommend contacting Apple support."

I think protecting the Touch ID from tampering is a good move, but the way Apple is going about this is ridiculous. Non-specific error, no documentation, and no notification to customers. A more reasonable response would be to simply disable Touch ID feature to unlock the phone/apps, not brick the entire device with no explaination.