Every iPhone can be hacked by a single text message
Hackers can take control of any iPhone, by sending a simple text message containing a square symbol.
Apple has known for "over a month" that its customers are at risk, but has not fixed the problem. They can no longer ignore their responsibility with all of the media attention today. Apple and its expensive brands are all about marketing PR.
This major security flaw in Apple's software was demonstrated last night by the researchers who first discovered it, in a desperate attempt to shame Apple into releasing a patch. It's the latest in a long series of vulnerabilities which put iPhone users at risk. Apple's PR machine has tried to deflect criticism by listing the phone's security features, but experts say they've never before seen encryption implemented so poorly.
My advice to the average consumer is to be cautious about exposing data that you want to keep secure to any electronic device.
31 July 2009
Tags: apple iphone hacked hackable hacks text message sms square character symbol hackers security vulnerability windows mobile risk mac vs windows mac vs pc black hat conference defcon hacking technology news
Comments: 5
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Conveniently in your ill-informed tirade about Apple's "expensive brands", you managed to avoid quoting this piece from the exact same article you linked:
> Miller and Mulliner also claim to have discovered other
> SMS-based attacks that can be used to take control of
> Windows Mobile devices, and another text attack that
> lets them knock iPhones and Google Android phones
> off their wireless network. Google says it has patched
> the security flaw in Android since being informed of it.
So not just Apple then.
I do understand Bradley's point of view. I expect many others will feel the same way. Many of us are loyal customer of Apple products, or even fans of the brand.
However, the information presented above is not "ill informed". All of the facts in my article are accurate. Furthermore, this is a major news story with international scope, and the key facts can be readily verified by consulting numerous credible alternative sources.
I don't think anybody would suggest that Apple is the only company with security flaws in its products. However, this page, and this morning's headlines, are about this flaw in the iPhone. You mentioned Android, and I'm aware of the security issues there. But I know a lot more people with iPhones, which isn't surprising because I've seen a lot more marketing material and PR for the iPhone too. Moreover, my particular concern in this case is the apparent failure of Apple to take action to protect its customers. I still want to know when this serious loophole will be patched.
My blog post doesn't "conveniently" avoid discussing rival products which may have been affected by security issues. (No more than your reply conveniently attempts to deflect attention away from the sacred iPhone by bringing other mobile devices into the conversation.) These are separate discussions.
Some Apple-lovers may feel betrayed, while others may feel defensive. It's a cliché, but true, that love is blind.
Further Information
Details of the patch.
Update