Apple iPhones Can Be Hacked

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

23 Jul 2007 06:15 AM

This morning, The New York Times broke the story that the Apple iPhone is vulnerable to being attacked by hackers. Apparently, there is a flaw in the device that gives hackers the opportunity to take over control of an iPhone.

According to the Times, researchers at a company called Independent Security Evaluators proved that they could take over and control a personal iPhone in two different ways. Independent Security Evaluators is a company that tests security for different clients by attempting to hack into devices and software.

The first way, the company found, to hack in and control an iPhone was through the wi-fi connection. The second way that the device could be hacked is by tricking iPhone users into visiting a website that contains special code that would open up a door for hackers to enter.

Through their testing, the researchers said they were able to obtain personal information stored on the phone.

Apple responded to the report by saying that the company takes issues of security very seriously and will be looking thoroughly at the submitted report.

So far, there have been no reports of any actual hacking having been done to anyone's personal iPhone, but this report does raise the issue quite clearly. Hopefully, Apple will be able to fix the flaw or offer some sort of software protection soon. Meanwhile, if you own an Apple iPhone, be sure to take obvious precautions, just as you would with any device that contains your personal information.

In my opinion, a bigger threat for Apple iPhone users is having the entire device stolen. It is such a hot item, that personal information aside, the device itself is attracted to thieves. The small size makes it easy to be snatched, and there have been some reports of the phone being stolen from students in school (Many schools ban the device from being used in class, anyway).

Be sure to check back here at the Computing Blog for the latest iPhone information.

Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Frugal Living Blog here at Families.com, where she shares money saving tips for today's families.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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