Yesterday, news of the massive Apple iPhone Facetime bug spread throughout media outlets. This bug all allowed people to simply call you and immediately access your microphone or camera without you giving access or evening knowing they had access. The most surprising part is that a fourteen year old discovered this bug a week ago and it largely went unnoticed.
My teen found a major security flaw in Apple’s new iOS. He can listen in to your iPhone/iPad without your approval. I have video. Submitted bug report to @AppleSupport...waiting to hear back to provide details. Scary stuff! #apple #bugreport @foxnews
— MGT7 (@MGT7500) January 21, 2019
Apparently, this wasn't just a one time effort to bring attention to it. The mother and teen put forth significant effort to make the bug known.
@tim_cook This is real...trying to get Apple’s attention to get this addressed. I’m just a mom of a teenager who found a huge problem in your new update. I’ve verified it myself...someone from Apple should respond to us. https://t.co/S6qyXts6GF
— MGT7 (@MGT7500) January 21, 2019
And it was even reported to numerous news outlets, including 9to5Mac which eventually reported on it.
One of many emails sent to Apple 1 week ago attempting to report the Group FaceTime bug. @cnbc @cnn @foxnews @9to5mac pic.twitter.com/l9IFMZmKh6
— MGT7 (@MGT7500) January 29, 2019
FYI- I called, FB messaged, faxed, emailed and tweeted Apple exhaustively last week to no avail. Submitted official bug report also. Tried to keep it private b/c of the security concerns. Never heard from them.
— MGT7 (@MGT7500) January 29, 2019
Despite it being reported to Apple Support, it wasn't until media outlets broke the news of the vulnerability.
VIDEO: Here is a video, recorded & sent to Apple by a 14 yr old & his mom, on JAN 23rd, alerting them to the dangerous #FaceTime bug, that has threatened the privacy of millions. I've removed sensitive / private info on behalf of the mother (an attorney), whom I just spoke to. pic.twitter.com/YIBKXEP3mI
— John H. Meyer (@BEASTMODE) January 29, 2019
Apple disabled the Group Facetime feature shortly after the news broke yesterday, so there's no need to turn off Facetime to avoid the bug. Unfortunately, they weren't fast enough to avoid people poking fun at their massive advertisement next to this years CES.
FaceTime bug is happening at the worst possible time for $AAPL, @lisahopeking says. Earnings are out today, Apple iPhone sales are falling so the company needs services more than ever, Tim Cook went on a media tour last year about privacy and JUST tweeted about #DataPrivacyDay pic.twitter.com/zmMUtnAQZX
— Cheddar (@cheddar) January 29, 2019
Thanks to Torch in the This is Tech Today Community Discord Server for pointing this out to me. Come join the community!
Comments?
Leave us your opinion.