What would you do if your iPhone were hacked and you didn’t even know it?
An alarming new discovery suggests that iPhone chargers can be modified to use as a powerful hacking tool. If scammers use this technology, you might be exposed to risks like identity theft if you plug into the wrong public charging station.
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology recently discovered that a relatively simple device designed to connect with an iPhone’s charging port can hack the device in less than a minute.
The hacker wouldn’t have to do anything except plug it in, and then they’d have access all the private information stored on your iPhone or iCloud account.
The worst part is that you wouldn’t realize your iPhone was hacked until it’s far too late.
Startling New Discovery About Hacking Technology
Identity theft is nothing new, and the Internet has made it a lot easier for thieves and scammers to find to steal your personal information.
Now that just about everybody carries an iPhone or Android smartphone around with them, it’s become increasingly important to keep these devices safe and secure.
Most smartphone owners use their device to store personal email and other login information (sometimes for mobile banking apps) which makes an iPhone a treasure trove for hackers and identity thieves.
Luckily, there are researchers dedicated to finding the newest hacking techniques so that the public at large can stay one step ahead.
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology discovered that hackers might be using the modified iPhone charger device to hack unsuspecting individuals’ phones.
The Rise of Mactans iPhone Hacking
Known as “Mactans,” the new smartphone attack is chilling in its simplicity. The most recent versions of the Apple iPhone and iOS were easily compromised using this method.
The Mactans program utilizes cloaking techniques that render it invisible to the smartphone user, allowing hackers to steal information and wreak havoc in iOS.
Mactans can also hide some of Apple’s own applications, which enables it to sidestep the iPhone’s built-in security measures.
Mactans isn’t hard to replicate, either, and the tool is about as small as a credit card.
While it may not look identical to an official iPhone charger yet, it would be easy to hide in the cabinet or shelf of a public charging station.
How You Can Protect Your iPhone From Hacking Chargers
If Mactans or other hacking chargers do become a widespread threat, the good news is that it’s relatively easy to protect yourself. Just buy an extra charger to keep in your backpack or purse and avoid public charging stations.
What do you think? Are you concerned about being hacked at a charging station? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
See Also
Fake iPhone Charger? Apple Will Give You $10 Trade-In Value
How Flaws in Amazon and Apple Security Could Destroy Your Digital Life
10 Tips to Extend Your Smartphone Battery Life
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