BAD APPLE

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.

Advertisement
Users will have to wait for an updateCredit: Getty

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.

Advertisement

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.

Most read in News Tech

SWITCH OFF
Sky & Virgin customers warned MORE channel closures 'inevitable' next year
SECRET SCORE
Hidden free Google game for Squid Game season two discovered by fans
NO RAY!
Five Blu-Ray DVDs to look for including classic that could fetch £1,250
JUICY APPLE
Is Apple plotting a huge FREEBIE? Fans speculate after company's cryptic post

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Issue affects all web browsers on iOSCredit: Alamy
Advertisement
I'm an iPhone expert and there's a genius trick to instantly improve your handset

In other news, personalised smart guns, which can be fired only by verified users, may finally become available to U.S. consumers this year.

Tech giant Microsoft is trying to make the world more woke by rolling out an “inclusiveness” checker in its Word software.

And a federal anti-trust case against Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has been given the go-ahead.

Advertisement

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk


Topics
Advertisement
machibet777.com