Posted on 09/01/2019 10:55:26 PM PDT by Norski
Researchers say suspected nation-state hackers infected Apple iPhones with spyware over two years in what security experts on Friday called an alarming security failure for a company whose calling card is privacy.
A mere visit to one of a small number of tainted websites could infect an iPhone with an implant capable of sending the smartphone owner's text messages, email, photos and real-time location data to the cyberspies behind the operation.
"This is definitely the most serious iPhone hacking incident that's ever been brought to public attention, both because of the indiscriminate targeting and the amount of data compromised by the implant," said former U.S. government hacker Jake Williams, the president of Rendition Security.
Announced late Thursday by Google researchers, the last of the vulnerabilities were quietly fixed by Apple by February but only after thousands of iPhone users were believed exposed over more than two years.
The researchers did not identify the websites used to seed the spyware or their location. They also did not say who was behind the cyberespionage or what population was targeted, but experts said the operation had the hallmarks of a nation-state effort.
Williams said the spyware implant wasn't written to transmit stolen data securely, indicating the hackers were not concerned about getting caught. That suggests an authoritarian state was behind it. He speculated that it was likely used to target political dissidents.
(Excerpt) Read more at mrt.com ...
ping
Well, we must be getting close to major Apple announcements/releases.
My cell phone cost a whole $20.00
I only use it to make and occasionally receive calls.
It claims to have the capability to do more, I don’t care.
I know that it is probably “Compromised” at the factory so using it for more than calls would be foolish.
It does what I need for about $120.00 a year, less than many (Most?) waste in a month.
So I’m OK with the limited “Security”.
If I need security I use more secure means of communication.
The Web may be useful at times but it has never been secure.
An accurate observation, surely.
Apple makes esthetic products. Very beautiful.
Announced late Thursday by Google researchers...
Whew -- no axe to grind at Google. Must be true. /sarc
Less than two weeks off, I think. I plan to finally swap my flip phone for some feature phone, probably a Moto 7.
Apple Special Event
Live from the Steve Jobs Theater.
September 10, 2019 at 10 a.m. PDT
https://www.apple.com/apple-events/
Less than two weeks off, I think.
***********************
Yes, Apple’s 2019 event where new hardware and software are featured is scheduled for September 10th. As sure as the sun rises in the morning, we can always count upon the appearance of rivers of FUD (Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt) flowing from Apple’s competitors and their media handmaidens.
Williams said the spyware implant wasn’t written to transmit stolen data securely, indicating the hackers were not concerned about getting caught. That suggests an authoritarian state was behind it. He speculated that it was likely used to target political dissidents.
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As Google is involved in this and the researchers deliberately don’t mention the website involved, chances are the State actor involved is China.
“The researchers did not identify the websites used to seed the spyware or their location. They also did not say who was behind the cyberespionage or what population was targeted, but experts said the operation had the hallmarks of a nation-state effort.”
Sounds like the researchers are complicit.
Ah. Interesting. Thank you.
This article does indeed pose questions while refusing answers.
“This article does indeed pose questions while refusing answers.”
Typical of almost any story in the media today.
The researchers did not identify the websites used to seed the spyware or their locationGee thanks for that helpful/informative reporting...A fine example of journalism today.
You could swap phones with one of the people getting rid of their smart phones for flip phones.
:^) I use prepaid, it's the cheapest way to carry a phone. I regard mobile phones as ways to keep in touch, instead of as an alternative lifestyle. :^D
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