Millions of iPhone owners warned that NEW bug exposes privacy – fix it now
APPLE users have been warned of a new bug that is capable of exposing some personal info.
The issue affects all web browsers on iOS for iPhone and iPad, as well as the tech giant's Safari 15 on Mac.
Security experts from uncovered the problem, which can leak your recent internet browsing activity, as well as revealing some of the personal details from your Google account.
It stems from a feature under the bonnet designed to store data in your browser from the one place.
The so-called IndexedDB is supposed to follow a same-origin policy, meaning only the site that generates certain data can access it.
For example, if you had your email account open in one tab while another tab is a dodgy website, the feature should stop the bad one from interfering with your email.
But researchers have apparently found a flaw which stops that defence mechanism from fully working.
This could allow hackers to snoop on specific details about your identity.
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Experts highlight the dangers with services such as Google's, as one login is used across YouTube, email, Google Calendar and much more.
"Not only does this imply that untrusted or malicious websites can learn a user’s identity, but it also allows the linking together of multiple separate accounts used by the same user," FingerprintJS warned.
They tested 1,000 top websites to see whether they could be affected.
More than 30 sites use indexed databases which means those who use them could be at risk.
What can I do to prevent Safari bug?
Unfortunately there isn't much you can do until Apple roll out a fix.
"The only real protection is to update your browser or OS once the issue is resolved by Apple," experts said.
Mac users could use an alternative web browser.
But as the issue is across all web browsers on iPhone and iPad, you'll have to wait.
In the meantime, just be extra vigilant of the sites you use.
In other news, personalised smart guns, which can be fired only by verified users, may finally become available to U.S. consumers this year.
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