iPhone SDK to include security in it's design

Today Apple announced the planned release of an SDK in February to allow the development of native third-party Applications on the iPhone. This seems like a logic step after various hacks that allow installation of unauthorized third-party applications, but reading the announcement closely, there is something groundbreaking:

“It will take until February to release an SDK because we’re trying to do two diametrically opposed things at once””provide an advanced and open platform to developers while at the same time protect iPhone users from viruses, malware, privacy attacks, etc.”

In the initial design phase of the SDK security is specifically mentioned as a major aspect for it’s development! This is certainly a great step into the right direction and if everyone would look at security aspects and not just features during development, the electronic world may be a much safer place then it is now.

Also in openly acknowledging that malware for mobile phones is an issue and will become a bigger one with more sophisticated mobile phones, Jobs takes the right step in making the public aware of a problem and taking steps against it, unlike many other who’d rather play it down.

I applaude this move and will heavily recommend this as an example for others to follow.