A scam awareness expert has alerted users of the Apple device to a new hacking concerns, which potentially allows fraudsters to capitalise on an AirPlay setting
A warning has been issued to all iPhone owners over a new hacking concern that could result in data theft. TikTok user @PainfullyHonestNews who specialises in scam alerts, explained in a video how to avoid falling foul of the problem.
To combat the the threat, he advised users of the Apple device to head to the Settings section to check if one particular setting is set to ‘Automatic’ – because if so, hackers can target you “easily”. The TikTok user continued: “In Settings, search for ‘AirPlay’. This is a function that allows you to wirelessly stream content such as videos and music from your mobile phone to other AirPlay-compatible devices including smart TVs and Mac computers.
“Then at the top you should see ‘AirPlay and Continuity’ [or ‘AirPlay & Handoff’],” he continued. Here you will see a setting titled, ‘Automatically AirPlay, which has three options – ‘Never’, ‘Ask’ and ‘Automatic’.
“The ‘Automatic’ section is actually an easy way for people to hack you if they know what they are doing,” the TikTok user warned.
“So you must have it on either ‘Never’ like I do or you have it on ‘Ask’ – don’t ever have it on ‘Automatic’, because this could be a very risky move if you do.”
The vulnerability, which has been dubbed ‘Airborne’ by researchers at cybersecurity firm Oligo, could allow hackers to breach your device if they are connected to the same WiFi network.
Whilst Apple rolled out patches and updates to address the concern earlier this year, iPhone users who haven’t updated their iOS remain at risk.
In addition, third-party devices supporting the AirPlay protocol remain exposed.
As such, Oligo’s Chief Technology Officer, Gal Elbaz, told Wired: “Because AirPlay is supported in such a wide variety of devices, there are a lot that will take years to patch or they will never be patched.
“And it’s all because of vulnerabilities in one piece of software that affects everything.”
Writing in response to the TikTok video, meanwhile, one grateful user praised: “Thank you for this. Mine was on automatic so changed it to never.”
A second person commented: “Mine was on automatic, thank you I just changed it.”
A third shared: “Thank you mate, mine was actually on automatic. It’s on never now.”
Whilst a fourth TikTok user penned: “Another lesson learned, thank you.”
Last week, Apple announced exciting plans to release a refreshed MacBook Pro, new iPad Pro models and an upgraded Vision Pro headset.
Although there are no changes to the way these gadgets look, all get a new Apple-made M5 processor under their shells, which offers a serious boost in performance and efficiency.
Apple has been approached for comment.