Apple iPad - iPhone - iTouch Malware Security Flaws - Symantec Risk Warning
Apple iPad, iPhone and iTouch Security Flaws Warns Symantec
Apple iPad, iPhone and iTouch all are vulnerable to hackers. This is the message about security flaws that affect the Apple operating system iOS. Symantec warned in late 2010 that this recently discovered software vulnerability could allow hackers to enslave iPad, iPhone and iTouch. This means hackers could take over and have total control of the mobile device.The security flaws warning was echoed by privately owned security firms Lookout and Vupen.
A Sophos
security review makes the suggestion Linux targeting mobile attacks will
increase as webOS and Nokia’s MeeGo become more popular. Apple's iOS vulnerability follows the exposure of Google Inc's Android operating system vulnerabilities. What are
known as booby-trapped websites and email in malware are hacker favorites and
are security threats to businesses and individuals alike. With iPad 2 now launched in March 2011 we wait for any updates on security.
The complexity of the software that runs mobile devices has opened up more opportunity for computer hackers. Apple responded through spokeswoman Natalie Harrison who acknowledged the report and said they were investigating its validity. With the latest iPad, iPhone and iTouch security flaws exposure it is worth pointing out that the three worms that were targeting jailbroken iPhone in late 2009 have not reappeared. Since then improved security controls including filtering SSH connections have been implemented. Given the popularity of the Apple iPad. iPhone and iTouch these security flaws are a major issue.
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Security bug hidden in PDF document
To be compromised by the recently exposed iPad, iPhone and iTouch security flaws you need to visit a website that has a PDF document with the planted bug.
This involves the user being tricked to visit a website to pick up the bug. First rule on a mobile device should always be never visit a site you are unsure or skeptical about. If you do never download files you are unsure of that can have bugs implanted. In this case it is housed in PDF files.
Kevin Mahaffey the chief technology officer for mobile security firm Lookout said in late 2010 this shouldn’t be a surprise. He said 'We shouldn't be surprised to see security bugs happen in very complex software.'
Mahaffey said 'Everybody -- both good and bad -- knows how it works '. This underscores just how sophisticated criminals are and are often just one step behind the latest technology boom product. The ease of copying is highlighted by the bootleg iPads available in China.
Mahaffey added that at this point he had not been made aware of criminals involved in any schemes to infiltrate iPads, iPhones or iTouches. This is always a possibility given the popularity of Apple mobile devices, the extensive criminal network around mobile devices and electronic fraud. To add to the temptation Apple has offered a solution to protect against the security flaw alerted to by Symantec, Lookout and Vupen.
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Security Threat in Google’s Android Software
Researchers at Spider Labs found holes in Google's Android SDK software back in 2010. They demonstrated at last week's Defcon conference a proof of concept malware that accessed both messages and emails on Google Android smartphone. This was a demonstration of a rootkit-based attack on the Android. according to a leading anti-virus supplier.
Sophos senior security advisor says the risk is overstated. He said the Spider Labs researchers carried out the demonstration on a jail broken HTC Legend and did not explain the risks. Wisniewski spoke to the Register and said, "They developed a rootkit but there's no way to install it," and "No method of propagation was demonstrated." He added that Sophos has not seen any instances of Android malware in the marketplace.
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Sophos Security Review of Mobile Device Security Threats
The Sophos security review makes the suggestion Linux targeting mobile attacks will increase as webOS and Nokia’s MeeGo become more popular. This does contradict the Sophos negating of the Android-based malware.
Sophos shows Microsoft as the leading hacker target during the first six months of 2010. Adobe is the second largest target, which highlights the PDF risk. The Sophos study takes around 60,000 new malware samples from desktops every day in H1 2010. They said this was one new sample every 1.4 seconds per day. This was up from 40,000 samples per day in the year on year comparison. That is there has been an increase of 20,000 threats in a year.
The iPad, iPhone, iTouch threat highlights the risk of malware migrating onto the new iOS platform.
It is worth noting that the free hosting providers in Europe are a major source of hackers who plant malware or redirections to both hacking portals on legitimate websites.
The United States with 42.29 percent and China with 10.75 percent are the top two-malware hosting countries. France, Italy and the Netherlands however joined the malware hosting countries top ten in 2010. The massage is the problem is deep and seemingly legitimate American based websites and software’s are the biggest dangers.
The battle is ongoing with developers and security experts such as Symantec hopefully finding e glitches or problems out before they inflict damage. That way Apple, Google and the rest of the developer community can fix these menaces before a security flaw compromises your iPhone, iPad or iTouch,
Comments on Apple iPad, iPhone and iTouch Security Flaws Symantec Warns
Marty I think in this case it is criminal activity. Often hackers get hired by security experts also for their programing knowledge. Sometimes it is for bravado and Apple is the 'it' technology right now.
I wonder what they gain from doing this. I'm not sure how they make money off of this. :|
Beats me they make money by getting control of the device and then getting access to accounts etc.
Firstly, I did not know they can insert bugs on pdf files, lol.
Great information, Billy. Thanks so much.
Melinda they can pretty insert bugs wherever there is room for a script.
The good news is that there are people capable of recognizing the flaws who wish to fix them rather than exploit them. They can at least hopefully get to fixing them before too many of them ARE exploited by the bad guys.
Springboard that is exactly right and there is also not yet at least the whole community of anti Microsoft hackers for Apple yet.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if suddenly all the smart hackers out there would turn their attention to accomplishing good instead of devious purposes. I know...just wishful thinking on my part!
Thank heavens there are people like you who know things like this! Thanks for the great hub!
Many thanks for the useful information billy- much appreciated.
Great info here.. Thanks for sharing Billy.
I sometimes wonder if the people selling the "cure" aren't also involved in creating viruses! Think about it, you create and increase your demand! Just a thought...Great hub!
Billy, I had no idea all of these were vulnerable to security threats. Thanks for the information.
Peggy indeed. Actually some of the best hackers after they are caught get hired by governments and tech companies to turn their talents for the better. There is a famous one working for the U.S. government now I will look it up.
pcoach thanks for the feedback on iPad, iPhone and iTouch security flaws.
t.elia thanks for your comments
Thanks for being willing to share your expertise. Great hub!
Thanks for your feedback on Apple security flaws Chan
Nifty a few years back there were firms doing that and I think some of the big ones - what better way to get business as no doubt this announcement will.
Pamela the news on the vulnerability was only yesterday - I tried to get this out to everyone ASAP. Given the popularity of the iPad, iPhone and iTouch here.
Expand your mind I am glad you enjoyed the hub - sharing is what HubPages is all about :)
Thank you for this important information. God Bless You.
Thanks for the heads up!
Notice how often pdf is the delivery method in recent years? I detest pdf!
Stars thanks for your feedback
Micky thanks for the feedback on the iTouch security
Great work on this.
Thanks, Billy, for this info!!
PCunix yes I have noticed that - I think there is two things the way you create one but the almost blind acceptance of one. No doubt Steve Jobs uses it in his anti Flash rationale also.
Thank you for your feedback on the security flaws of iPad Victoria
Tracy thanks for your feedback on the iPhone security flaws.
That's really shocking if there's really a bug hidden in PDF files. I find this hub awesome with information. Mobile security should be increased for sure. I'm all for the Android technology.
Hubpageswriter yes PDFs have been a favorite place for booby traps. You are not alone with android it just overtook blackberry as the number one smartphone out there.
Thanks for bringing this to our awareness. Very useful info. Regards, E.
It's a funny thing, Apple proud their products are virus proof. But they have some vulnerabilities issue.
Also it's just a matter of time pdf will be used as Trojan horse since this file is so popular.
Thanks for your feedback Lady E
Ign Andy yes Apple have been pretty virus free just have that iPhone worm last year and this that I can think of.
Hi. This was a greatly informative warning. I don't tweet,twitter, or do FB, but I did recommend it on my stumbleupon toolbar.
BayouLady thanks for the feedback - well I know you are prepared should ever get a Twitter or FB for your iPad :) Appreciate the rate up.
Sending this to facebook. Lot of my friends will appreciate this info. Thanks.
Equealla I am glad you found the iPad security warning useful and shared it with your facebook pals.
Good to know but I still want an iTouch and iPad security is an issue to take precautions with, thanks for the heads up!
Katie I think if you are just careful which sites you visit then you are pretty safe - commonsense applies. The concern is they are booby trapping PDF files and they are so common.
Malware . .always a word that scares me . . great Hub as aways!
Wavegirl and I thought you liked shopping down at the mall.... the iTouch malware security flaws are unnerving. Where is a mall cop when you need one. Sorry very poor jokes this morning - should be a symantec warning about that.
Hi again Billy,
Good to hear that some of these smart hackers actually end up working for the good of the government. Some criminals do the same...working for security firms, etc. They are best suited as they personally know the flaws in the system and how to get around them. Some good movies have been made of just this kind of subject matter! :)
Peggy it does seem a strange right of passage for these hackers but many do it with the intentions of getting a career it seems.
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MartyWare 21 months ago
Wow, there is just no stopping these Hackers. They are so clever,but I wonder makes someone tick to want to work like this!
Marty Ware
The SEO DAD & The creator of the Hubpages Tribe.