Warning for iPhone Users

[andtckrtoo]

There's a security flaw in the iPhones. Evidently, there is a way for hackers to take over your phone and there is no patch. If you get a text message that is just a square, turn off your phone.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/23/technology/23iphone.html and
http://cbs5.com/local/iphone.security.flaw.2.1107092.html

Sounds like the best way to prevent it is to be careful of the Wi-Fi networks you join. Be leery of free public access networks and other unsecured networks.

 

[ElleJay]

I have to say this sounded a little sensationalist to me, so off to snopes.com to investigate. When I didn't find anything there for this (although there are always entertaining items that I can get sidelined by ), I went to one of my favorite sites and tada, there was more information:

http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20090729121839257

 

[NY25]

Great - I just bought one of these. Damn it.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Just to reiterate - this is NOT a sensationalist story.... Nor would I post something without check in out.

According to ElleJay's article:

Note: Due to some recent commenting on MacFixIt, I feel compelled to assure you that this is not a sensationalist story. This is a real security threat for users of Apple's iPhone and should be taken with a great deal of seriousness.

 

[ElleJay]

Hope I didn't offend you, I have had some of my very best friends forward stuff that I have had to check out on snopes.com and found that it was bad information ... And Apple is not Microsoft, so I was kind of surprised that they found this kind of security flaw (as I type away on my Mac )

Thanks for posting this!

 

[andtckrtoo]

No, not offended. I just posted two credible news sources, so I was a little surprised that someone did not believe them, but then again, as Apple has never had this issue, I understand. It's been all over the news this morning and will probably be tonight, too.

 

[syzygy314]

Just don't join any wi-fi networks you aren't familiar with. That's how they get in, they can't tap in unless you invite them. It's the same hack that's been around since the introduction of the iPhone. The other way they get in is if you jailbreak your phone and start downloading non-iPhone apps and programs that have hidden code.

 

[RunninTeach]

Good to know. Thanks, Christine!

 

[christosz]

From what I understand, a hacker needs to know your phone number in order to send you an SMS with the hacking code and take control of your iPhone. Also, I read that Apple will release a software update today (Saturday) through iTines; so keep checking!
I wouldn't worry about it since it isn't a WiFi issue but a text message issue. I never open messages from unknown senders. Just look for the square in the message body and turn off your iPhone immediately!

NY25, don't worry. You bought probably the best phone in the market!
And Apple is definitely not Microsoft... They really solve issues...

Chris.

 

[christosz]

Thought I should let you know that Apple has released a software update for the iPhone via iTunes. I just downloaded it and it addresses the SMS issue.

Chris.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Yes, I downloaded it yesterday and it locked my phone. I do know that that was more a product of my lousy work computer than anything with the software. i took it to the Apple Store and they fixed it.