Apple disables FaceTime after privacy failure; know how to protect yourself | Security

Apple has temporarily suspended Group FaceTime after a service privacy breach was discovered on Tuesday (29). Over the course of the day, a problem circulated on social networks that would supposedly make it possible to hear the audio of any contact during a video call even if the person did not answer the call. The error would affect any iPhone (iOS) model, including the latest iPhone XS, and possibly MacOS computers. In response to dnetcApple said the fix will be released in the next software update later this week.

Currently, the Apple Systems Status page displays an alert message: "Users are experiencing a problem with the above service (FaceTime). We are investigating and will update the status as more information becomes available." There is still no forecast for the restoration of the functions of the communication application. Understand the case and learn to protect yourself below.

Apple releases iOS 12.1.1 with news for iPhone XR and FaceTime

Facetime fragility opens loophole for espionage Photo: Lucas Mendes / dnetcFacetime fragility opens loophole for espionage Photo: Lucas Mendes / dnetc

Facetime fragility opens loophole for espionage Photo: Lucas Mendes / dnetc

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The flaw in FaceTime was revealed by user Benji Mobb on Twitter. He outlined the walkthrough so that anyone could replicate the vulnerability and hear the contact's audio without him knowing: initiate a video call with someone and then add his own number as a third party. Once the group call is established, the sound picked up by the recipient's microphone begins to be transmitted. It would be possible, therefore, to hear someone's conversations without her knowing.

In the view of researcher from digital security firm Kaspersky Lab Victor Chebyshev, the invasion would not be as simple as it sounds. He believes that users could be surprised by an unsolicited call alert unless tool muting is enabled. "From what has been reported in the media so far, it seems difficult for an attacker to exploit this bug to covertly monitor users, as the potential victim would receive an incoming call alert. The only risk scenario where the target tends to use the 'silent' mode. In this case, a spy can secretly listen to the user's private conversations, "concludes the expert.

Apple Systems Status Page Points FaceTime Problem Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesApple Systems Status Page Points FaceTime Problem Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Apple Systems Status Page Points FaceTime Problem Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

According to user reports, the bug also lets you poke around the iPhone's front camera if you press the power or volume buttons, but the image would appear quickly. So far, there are no clues to other data that could be leaked by the vulnerability. As soon as the problem became known to Apple, the company suspended FaceTime. That is, even if users try to exploit the fault, the service should not function until further notice.

Chebyshev points out the impossibility of maintaining a completely secure system because of the complexity of variables it understands. "In general, software today comprises so many lines of code that it is almost impossible to guarantee that it will be 100% bug free and software vendors rely on the security community to help them find and fix them before they can be fixed. misused by attackers, "says the Kaspersky Lab researcher.

Even if FaceTime is not working on the device, the only way to ensure protection by manually disabling the service. Just after the bug fix is ​​recommended a new video call feature activation. Track the status on the Apple Support page (https://www.apple/support/systemstatus/). Here's how to turn off the video calling app on iPhone and Mac.

1. How to disable FaceTime on iPhone

Step 1. Access the "Settings" system and tap the "FaceTime" option;

Access FaceTime in iPhone settings Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesAccess FaceTime in iPhone settings Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Access FaceTime in iPhone settings Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 2. Turn off the key next to "FaceTime" to disable the function. Repeat the procedure to restart the service once the FaceTime issue is fixed.

Disable FaceTime on iPhone Photo: Playback / Paulo AlvesDisable FaceTime on iPhone Photo: Playback / Paulo Alves

Disable FaceTime on iPhone Photo: Playback / Paulo Alves

2. How to disable FaceTime on Mac

Step 1. Access Spotlight via the shortcut "Command + Space" and search for the term "FaceTime". Click on "Enter" to open the program;

Open FaceTime application on Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesOpen FaceTime application on Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Open FaceTime application on Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 2. In the "FaceTime" menu, go to the "Disable FaceTime" option. Repeat the procedure to activate the software after Apple patch.

Disable FaceTime on Mac Photo: Reproduction / Paulo AlvesDisable FaceTime on Mac Photo: Reproduction / Paulo Alves

Disable FaceTime on Mac Photo: Reproduction / Paulo Alves

Via Apple Insider and Apple

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