Apple users are urged to promptly update all their devices following the discovery of security vulnerabilities within Apple’s AirPlay technology by Oligo experts. Dubbed “AirBorne,” these flaws could potentially allow hackers to infect phones, tablets, and laptops with harmful malware transmitted over wireless networks or peer-to-peer connections.
Apple’s AirPlay system, known for wirelessly streaming content to speakers and TVs via Wi-Fi, inadvertently provided an entry point for cybercriminals to compromise devices.
While Apple has already patched the identified bugs, it is crucial for users to ensure their iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks are running the latest software versions to stay protected.
Kaspersky highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need to update all AirPlay-enabled devices to safeguard against potential AirBorne attacks leveraging the vulnerabilities in the system.
To check for updates, users can navigate to Settings, then General, and select Software Update on their devices. Having the latest updates installed is key to defense against such attacks, especially since the likelihood of being affected is minimal unless sharing the same Wi-Fi network with a potential attacker.
Public Wi-Fi networks pose a higher risk, as attackers would need to be on the same network as the victim to carry out the exploit. To further mitigate risks, users can disable the AirPlay receiver when not in use, restrict AirPlay access, and adjust settings to limit AirPlay usage to the “Current User.”
Ensuring devices are up to date and implementing recommended security measures can help users stay protected against AirBorne vulnerabilities and potential attacks.