iPhone users urged to check one setting on device to avoid becoming hacking victim
A warning has been issued to all Apple iPhone users over a potential security flaw that may allow hackers into the devices via connections to the same WiFi network
A warning has been issued to all iPhone owners over a new hacking concern that could lead to data theft. TikTok user @PainfullyHonestNews, who specialises in scam alerts, detailed in a video how to avoid becoming a victim of fraudsters.
To counteract the threat, he advised users of the Apple device to navigate to the Settings section to verify if one specific setting is set to 'Automatic' - because if it is, hackers can target you "easily". The TikTok user elaborated: "In Settings, search for 'AirPlay'. This is a feature that enables you to wirelessly stream content such as videos and music from your mobile phone to other AirPlay-compatible devices including smart TVs and Mac computers.
"Then at the top you should see 'AirPlay and Continuity' [or 'AirPlay & Handoff']," he continued. Here you will find a setting titled, 'Automatically AirPlay', which has three options - 'Never', 'Ask' and 'Automatic'.
"The 'Automatic' section is actually an easy way for people to hack you if they know what they are doing," the TikTok user cautioned. "So you must have it on either 'Never' like I do or you have it on 'Ask' - don't ever have it on 'Automatic', because this could be a very risky move if you do."
The vulnerability, which has been named 'Airborne' by researchers at cybersecurity firm Oligo, could allow hackers to infiltrate your device if they are connected to the same WiFi network.
While Apple has released patches and updates earlier this year to address the issue, iPhone users who have not updated their iOS are still at risk. Moreover, third-party devices supporting the AirPlay protocol remain exposed.
Oligo's Chief Technology Officer, Gal Elbaz, warned in an interview with Wired: "Because AirPlay is supported in such a wide variety of devices, there are a lot that will take years to patch or they will never be patched.
"And it's all because of vulnerabilities in one piece of software that affects everything."
Reacting to the TikTok video, one appreciative user wrote: "Thank you for this. Mine was on automatic so changed it to never."
Another person remarked: "Mine was on automatic, thank you I just changed it."
A third user shared: "Thank you mate, mine was actually on automatic. It's on never now."
While a fourth TikTok user noted: "Another lesson learned, thank you."
Last week, Apple unveiled exciting plans to launch a revamped MacBook Pro, new iPad Pro models and an upgraded Vision Pro headset.
Despite no changes in their appearance, all these gadgets will feature a new Apple-made M5 processor, promising a significant improvement in performance and efficiency.