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iPhone hacked in 20 seconds at the Pwn2Own contest

iPhone hacked in 20 seconds at the Pwn2Own contest

Posted: 26 Mar 2010, 17:07, by John V.

Categories: Apple Apple Touch Touch iPhone 3G iPhone 3G iPhone 3G S iPhone 3G S Bookmark

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iPhone hacked in 20 seconds at the Pwn2Own contest

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It's scary to imagine that it only takes approximately 20 seconds to completely get away with stealing some valuable information from an iPhone owner and not have them even know they've been targeted. During the Pwn2Own hacking contest as CanSecWest 2010, two hackers showed off an exploit in the iPhone that literally allowed them to copy SMS messages from the device in a matter of only 20 seconds. The two hackers, Vincenzo Iozzo and Ralf Philipp Weinmann, merely were showcasing the potential flaw in the iPhone that allowed them to steal the entire SMS database that even included all deleted text message and copied directly onto their own server. One things to point out is that the browser crashed on the iPhone during the hijack – which is the one outcome of the hack because they needed to send a target iPhone to site they have set up online in order to be hacked. Obviously they didn't have any malicious intentions when they demoed this off at the event, but it does raise an eye brow anytime you suspect something funky happening on your iPhone.

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1. easytochris posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:45 0 0

as much as a fan of android i am, this actually makes me more nervous for android users than apple users. imagine downloading one wrong app that didnt have to go through a screening process.

3. remixfa posted on 26 Mar 2010, 20:00 0 0

all smartphones have a security measure or 12. Apple, windows, and Android. None are easily hackable unless you really know what your doing. Android apps are screened for viruses and trojans. They are not screened for the approval of some rich hippy with a god complex. there is a difference. just another reason why i dont have an iphone i guess... lol, ill add this to "the list" :)

2. ilia1986 posted on 26 Mar 2010, 19:13 0 0

While I am obviously against hacking, stealing and exploiting etc. I do believe that in the long run, such activities help increase public awareness when it comes to a a certain technology. For example - we all know what happened in the field of operating systems. This caused a lot of people to be aware of PCs and the dangers they pose etc. The same thing will probably happen with smartphones.

4. iHateCrapple posted on 27 Mar 2010, 14:55 0 0

I wonder if any Android phones were in this competition? Anyway, Apple is starting to become a much fatter target for hackers. Soon their no viruses claim wont be able to hold water.