Google Pixel 9 with 20% discount!

Apple's response to SMS flaw: use iMessage

By
55comments
Google News Follow
Follow us on Google News
Apple Apps
Apple's response to SMS flaw: use iMessage
"Apple takes security very seriously. When using iMessage instead of SMS, addresses are verified which protects against these kinds of spoofing attacks. One of the limitations of SMS is that it allows messages to be sent with spoofed addresses to any phone, so we urge customers to be extremely careful if they're directed to an unknown website or address over SMS."-Apple's statement
It was just Friday when we told you about a flaw discovered in the way iOS handles SMS messages. Advanced SMS functions can be accessed by those playing around with the UDH (User Data Header) section of a text message. One serious function would allow a hacker to change the reply-to path to another number. Information meant for someone via reply text could end up in the hands of someone itching to get his hands on your personal information. A spoofed message could appear to be coming from your bank, when it reality it's coming from Joe Hacker who will sell your social security number and other confidential information for big bucks.

Apple's response was, well, typical Apple. Instead of creating a fix for this problem in iOS 6 while there is time (one suggested idea was to have a text message come with both the original and reply-to addresses visible), Apple took this as an opportunity to promote its iMessages application by saying that it verifies addresses which will protect the user from getting spoofed.

The Cupertino based tech giant didn't finish its response without stating that SMS allows spoofed messages over any phone and suggests that SMS users be careful to make sure that they aren't being directed to an unknown website or address over SMS.

source: Engadget
Create a free account and join our vibrant community
Register to enjoy the full PhoneArena experience. Here’s what you get with your PhoneArena account:
  • Access members-only articles
  • Join community discussions
  • Share your own device reviews
  • Build your personal phone library
Register For Free
https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/users/39-200/Alan-F.jpg
Alan Friedman Senior News Writer
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.

Recommended Stories

Loading Comments...

Popular stories

T-Mobile gift goes up in smoke, teaching everyone an important lesson
T-Mobile gift goes up in smoke, teaching everyone an important lesson
Leak reveals T-Mobile will accept trades in any condition for super iPhone 16, Galaxy S24 deal
Leak reveals T-Mobile will accept trades in any condition for super iPhone 16, Galaxy S24 deal
T-Mobile shares crash following comments made by CEO Mike Sievert
T-Mobile shares crash following comments made by CEO Mike Sievert
T-Mobile finally confirms rumors about T Life app
T-Mobile finally confirms rumors about T Life app
Third-party USB-C cables can wipe out your financial accounts before you know there's a problem
Third-party USB-C cables can wipe out your financial accounts before you know there's a problem
AT&T and Verizon are withholding crucial information from over a million customers
AT&T and Verizon are withholding crucial information from over a million customers

Latest News

Ex-Metro rep turns whistleblower and reveals schemes that allegedly defraud customers (UPDATE)
Ex-Metro rep turns whistleblower and reveals schemes that allegedly defraud customers (UPDATE)
In the EU, Apple will stop selling these iPhone models in approximately two weeks
In the EU, Apple will stop selling these iPhone models in approximately two weeks
The Pixel Phone app has new audio emoji for the holidays and a new location for the video call icon
The Pixel Phone app has new audio emoji for the holidays and a new location for the video call icon
AT&T shuts down its messaging apps prematurely and deletes cloud backups
AT&T shuts down its messaging apps prematurely and deletes cloud backups
There's a million-person waitlist for this T-Mobile offering
There's a million-person waitlist for this T-Mobile offering
Google TV continues to expand its home screen banner ads
Google TV continues to expand its home screen banner ads
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless