The tech world went into frenzy when security vulnerabilities were found in iOS which Apple boldly claimed to be free of such defects. Many considered iOS the most secure mobile operating system but that all changed when techies found security exploits present within the renowned OS. To top it off modified Apple chargers are now being used to hack into the OS and further weaken the operating system.
Using the concept of BeagleBoard, the researchers have built a charger that breaks through iOS’ security barriers which prevent unauthorized software from installing on an iOS device. iOS comprehensive security features is one of the reasons why iOS powered devices were a massive hit with the fans and why Apple’s was envied by mobile manufacturers.
Within one minute of being plugged in, the malicious charger was able to surpass iOS’s security and install malware into the device. Even if iPhone users set up their own security measures, the risk remains undaunted as the charger hack does not rely on user input. The three researchers have been able to hide malicious apps so that they do not show up in the app list.
Nothing like an original Apple charger, this charger is relatively larger. The three researchers have named the malicious charger ‘Mactans’. While the researchers claims to have built the charger in a limited period of time and a low budget, they are trying to make a point with their invention that their method is capable of competing with its well-funded and more motivated counterparts.
As if the internal security flaws were not enough, the tech bazaar has been bombarded with iPhone monitoring apps. These tools penetrate iOS security and collect the data contained within the phone. Criminal developers are on a constant look-out for security flaws in the operating system and it seems that they continue to find exploits on regular basis.
The inventors of the charger also showed ways how users could curb the effects of the piece of hardware in their demonstration. They also spoke about ways how Apple could set up more security features in order to stop the malicious charger from breaking into its security.
By jailbreaking a device, users take it to the level of maximum vulnerability. Hacking can also be avoided if a device is left in its original state.
Note: The article is only meant for educational purpose.
Katherine
About the Author:
Katherine has a great interest in the tech world. She keenly follows trends and developments in the tech market. She can be reached at Stealthmate.
Hacking iOS through hardware
Demonstrated first to Black Hats USA on June 27th, researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology, Billy Lau, Yeongjin Jang and Chengyu Song found a way to hack an iPhone using a USB charger.Using the concept of BeagleBoard, the researchers have built a charger that breaks through iOS’ security barriers which prevent unauthorized software from installing on an iOS device. iOS comprehensive security features is one of the reasons why iOS powered devices were a massive hit with the fans and why Apple’s was envied by mobile manufacturers.
Within one minute of being plugged in, the malicious charger was able to surpass iOS’s security and install malware into the device. Even if iPhone users set up their own security measures, the risk remains undaunted as the charger hack does not rely on user input. The three researchers have been able to hide malicious apps so that they do not show up in the app list.
Nothing like an original Apple charger, this charger is relatively larger. The three researchers have named the malicious charger ‘Mactans’. While the researchers claims to have built the charger in a limited period of time and a low budget, they are trying to make a point with their invention that their method is capable of competing with its well-funded and more motivated counterparts.
Apple is not short of disappointments
Apple has not been able to disappoint hackers in 2012. Several security glitches had been discovered by security researchers in the past year leaving Apple Inc. elbowing its counterparts for market share. One of these security flaws that have made many snort is how users of iPhone that has been resold could gain access to your information which you submitted while registering for apps.As if the internal security flaws were not enough, the tech bazaar has been bombarded with iPhone monitoring apps. These tools penetrate iOS security and collect the data contained within the phone. Criminal developers are on a constant look-out for security flaws in the operating system and it seems that they continue to find exploits on regular basis.
The inventors of the charger also showed ways how users could curb the effects of the piece of hardware in their demonstration. They also spoke about ways how Apple could set up more security features in order to stop the malicious charger from breaking into its security.
By jailbreaking a device, users take it to the level of maximum vulnerability. Hacking can also be avoided if a device is left in its original state.
Note: The article is only meant for educational purpose.
KatherineAbout the Author:
Katherine has a great interest in the tech world. She keenly follows trends and developments in the tech market. She can be reached at Stealthmate.
