Security

Why You Shouldn’t Use H1Siri

Oliver Haslam ∙ December 6, 2011

When we told you all about a new jailbreak app claiming to bring Siri to non-4S iDevices yesterday, we were deeply skeptical about its authenticity. We later received confirmation that, yes, the H1Siri app did use some of Apple's own code and thus was indeed illegal.

As Pete "Plamoni" Lamonica shows in his latest video, questionable legality isn't the only reason that you shouldn't be using H1Siri – it could potentially give a third-party control over your iDevice, and with relative ease on their part.

As we warned yesterday, using H1Siri means that you are sending all kinds of personal data through someone else's servers, meaning that they can either eavesdrop on what is going on with your iDevice, or even take control of it as shown in Pete's video...

German Leaders Question Apple Over Carrier IQ Use

Cody Lee ∙ December 2, 2011

The Carrier IQ fallout continues as more and more information surfaces about the smartphone spyware. The user-tracking software was exposed earlier this week when a 25 year old systems administrator posted a startling video of it in action.

The video has prompted investigations, both here in the States and abroad, as government officials seek out more information on the eery application. In fact, Apple is having to answer questions from German regulators regarding the Carrier IQ agent...

Carrier IQ’s Creepy User-Tracking Software Found in iOS, Here’s How to Turn it Off

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 28, 2016

Over the last couple of days, there has been a lot of talk around the web regarding Carrier IQ. The company makes user-tracking software for Android, BlackBerry, and Symbian handsets that secretly logs keystrokes, text messages, and other data.

Initially, the program was thought to be exclusive to the above-mentioned operating systems, so we didn't feel the need to report on it. But chpwn, a well-known developer of jailbreak apps, has recently found Carrier IQ's software hidden within iOS...

Apple Isn’t the Only Company Who Worries About Jailbreaking

Alex Heath ∙ Updated January 25, 2017

There's a new jailbreak in town, and it isn't for the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. Research In Motion PlayBook tablet has been jailbroken. For the first time in the Blackberry maker's history, hackers have gained root access to the OS.

Why is this a big deal? Not only is it the first official "jailbreak" to occur outside of Apple's ecosystem, but it's also a slap in the face to RIM's enterprise-minded, security-conscious mindset.

The iOS Hacker’s Handbook Reveals How Jailbreaking and Exploit Research Works

Alex Heath ∙ November 28, 2011

Some of the greatest minds in the security research and hacking community, including a couple of prominent jailbreak developers, have put together a new book called The iOS Hacker's Handbook.

The book is a collaboration between infamous security guru Charlie Miller, Dion Blazakis, Dino DaiZovi, Vincenzo Iozzo, and Ralf-Phillip Weinmann. Stefan Esser (better known as "i0n1c" in the jailbreak community) is also listed as an author. The Dev Team's MuscleNerd served as the book's Tech Editor.

MobileMonitor: The Creepiest iPhone Jailbreak App Ever!

Jeff Benjamin ∙ November 24, 2011

Want to see something really creepy? I mean, really creepy?

MobileMonitor is a jailbreak app that just appeared in Cydia, and as its name implies, it lets you monitor mobile devices remotely.

It really has to be seen to be understood, but MobileMonitor basically allows you to track virtually every facet of an iPhone's usage remotely, completely unknown to the user of the device. Full video inside...

iCloud Apple ID Security Flaw Plaguing Some Users

Oliver Haslam ∙ Updated July 8, 2017

One of iOS 5's marquee features is the ability to backup and restore devices from iCloud without the need for iTunes or any of those pesky wires. Let's be frank, we've all got hundreds of those little white USB cables, but can we find one when we need it? We know we never can!

As is so often the case with such new and ambitious services as iCloud, it appears that the process is not without its problems, more specifically, problems surrounding a possible security risk.

According to Electronista, there appears to be a real issue that could potentially reveal the Apple IDs of random users...

iPhone Sees Near 50% Jump in Enterprise During 2011

Oliver Haslam ∙ November 17, 2011

While Apple is undoubtedly the darling of the consumer market, the enterprise has traditionally been one area that Apple has struggled to make a real impact.

It looks like Apple is going to succeed in the enterprise market, with the iPhone becoming more of a business tool than has been the case thus far. Improved Exchange support, strong security, and that all important 'cool factor' has led to more IT departments being happy to add iOS devices to their systems, and Apple is reaping the benefits...

Android Malware Up a Shy 472% Since Last Summer

Cody Lee ∙ Updated June 25, 2016

For years, security firms have agreed that iOS is one of the most secure mobile platforms in existence. Apple's stringent app approval process and the limited API access it gives to third party developers has proven effective in keeping iOS safe from malware.

Google takes the exact opposite approach with its Android operating system. And while that's proven effective in drawing in iOS defectors who don't appreciate Apple's 'walled garden' of an operating system, it also leaves its users susceptible to malicious software...

Hacker Uncovers Serious iOS Security Flaw

Cody Lee ∙ November 7, 2011

If there's one thing about iOS that even the skeptics can agree on, it's how much more secure it is than Android. Several security firms have found that Apple's mobile platform has far less malware than its Google-backed competitor.

The reason behind this is Apple's "walled garden" approach it takes with app approvals. Applications are thoroughly screened and must meet certain criteria before they are allowed in the App Store. That hasn't stopped one hacker extraordinaire from finding a really nasty bug...

Password Protect Your Content With My Secret Folder [Sponsored]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 19, 2018

My Secret Folder is a content protection app that allows you to hide things like photos, videos, and even contacts behind a password. Obviously iOS already offers a password option, but this app takes security to the next level.

This title by Bright Artificial Intelligence is the perfect solution for folks who pass around their iDevices to friends and family or are just looking for that extra layer of protection. Regardless, this feature-packed application is definitely worth a look...

LockMessages Adds a Level of Privacy to Notification Center Messages

Oliver Haslam ∙ October 26, 2011

We've all had those situations when we've received a text message that we don't necessarily want anyone else to see. The problem is that such a message always seems to come through when your iPhone on a desk, or on a table in plain sight.

So there you are, your message pops up along with the sender's name and, if you have default settings turned on, a preview of the message's contents.

A new jailbreak tweak allows you to minimize such embarrassing situations by giving you control over what iOS shows when you receive a new text or iMessage, and it's called LockMessages...