Jan 13, 2025, 12:00 AM
Jan 13, 2025, 12:00 AM

New iPhone loophole exposes users to phishing attacks

Highlights
  • A loophole in Apple’s iMessage allows phishing attacks to bypass security protections.
  • Phishing messages may appear as fake delivery updates prompting users to reply.
  • Experts advise against responding to unknown contacts to stay safe from potential scams.
Story

On January 13, 2025, a warning was issued regarding new phishing tactics targeting iPhone users through Apple's iMessage service. Adversaries have exploited a loophole in the software that disables the built-in phishing protection when users reply to certain messages. Typically, these phishing attempts present as fake alerts, like delivery updates, encouraging individuals to engage with unknown contacts. Upon replying to these messages, the sender is marked as safe, thereby allowing potentially harmful links to be activated. This situation creates a significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, including personal logins for email and banking services, resulting in substantial financial losses. Security experts, like Jake Moore from ESET, describe this tactic as a simple yet effective bypass of Apple’s security measures, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and not responding to suspicious messages from unknown sources. Users are advised to be proactive in protecting themselves against such phishing attempts to maintain the security of their personal data and financial information. This underscores the reality that while Apple implements robust security measures, user behavior remains a crucial factor in safeguarding against cyber threats.

Opinions

You've reached the end