How to Protect Your Apple Devices
How to Protect Your Apple Devices from AirPlay Attacks
While Apple boasts about the high levels of security in its devices, it has issued new security warnings about AirPlay, a feature that has long been an essential part of the user experience through streaming content between devices. However, this feature is now at risk after the discovery of serious vulnerabilities that threaten user privacy.
Cybersecurity firm Oligo recently revealed a vulnerability it dubbed Airborne, a set of flaws in the AirPlay protocol and its software development kit (SDK), according to a report published by digitaltrends. These vulnerabilities allow remote code execution, giving hackers complete control over infected devices.
According to Oligo, AirPlay attacks can spread to other devices connected to the same network, potentially leading to the spread of malware, eavesdropping on conversations, location tracking, or even ransomware attacks.
Apple is moving quickly, but the danger remains.
Apple has released urgent security updates to address these vulnerabilities, including iOS 18.4, iPadOS 17.7.6, macOS Sonoma 14.7.5, and visionOS 2.4. However, the biggest challenge lies in the millions of older devices that no longer receive updates, making them easy prey to attacks.
Experts warn: Updating alone is not enough.
Trevor Horowitz, head of information security at TrustNet, confirms that security updates won't make a difference unless users install them. He emphasizes that the most important step to protecting devices begins with keeping the system up to date.
To update devices, he recommends following these steps:
- iPhone and iPad: Settings > General > Software Update.
- Mac: Apple menu > System Preferences > General > Software Update.
Wi-Fi is a potential vulnerability.
Security experts warn that these attacks exploit wireless networks to spread, highlighting the importance of securing your home router with a strong password and ensuring that there are no unknown connections on the network.
Ole Kulchytsky, of Moonlock, says, "Conducting remote attacks without user intervention is one of the most dangerous types of hacks and should be treated very seriously."
Preventive Steps to Protect Yourself
Experts recommend taking the following steps to reduce the risk:
- Disable AirPlay on devices you don't use, especially in public places.
- Use a password when enabling AirPlay.
- On iPhone and iPad: Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity > Set to "Ask" or "Never."
- On Mac: System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff > Disable AirPlay Receiver.
Despite Apple's strong reputation for security, experts confirm that any system can be compromised, especially if users neglect to update their devices and disable unused features.
"Attackers are always looking for weak spots, and this time they've found them with AirPlay. Don't be the weak link and take simple steps to protect your devices," concludes Chris Hill of BeyondTrust.
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