Get All Access for $5/mo

Someone Can Brick Your iPad without Even Touching It New version of the 1970's bug has exposed a vulnerable bug that can be exploited remotely

By Rustam Singh

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

StockSnap.io

Remember when you've been clicking "Remind me later" when Apple constantly pushed the notification to update your iOS? Well this is one of those days where you regret actually not going for it while you still could. Newer updates from Apple always have newer security updates and it's worthwhile to update your device immediately.

What does the bug do?

The bug remotely connects to your device if you have the WiFi option open, leaving you to connect automatically to the buggy router. This will instantly brick your device and you can run on the Apple loading logo forever, frozen till your battery runs out. Unfortunately, this bug is allegedly permanent – meaning there's no cure. Your iDevice will become a useless paperweight. This will not be better even after restoring your iOS.

How does it work?

Basically, iPhone will connect to any WiFi network that it has connected to previously. This means the attacker would fake the rogue device to a name that's commonly used by a lot of public WiFi networks, for example Starbucks, or a city's central WiFi. Since most of us leave our WiFi networks seeking open, we'd connect on our own, the rogue device does its job immediately.

What's the technical background?

By Spoofing the website to time.apple.com, hackers are able to roll back the date on the remote device without physically touching the device via the time synchronization. At first, devices will restart, then refuse to unlock. Then slowly heat up to an extent that it doesn't load. Your device slowly cripples away because of an old bug which UNIX coding defines as the first year – or zero.

How can you protect yourself?

Essentially there's no permanent fix except updating your iOS to 9.3.1. Any iOS lesser than that will still be vulnerable. Although slightly difficult, it is equally possible to run this bug on your iPhone since it has GSM signal interfering. But iPads will take less than a minute, if you're just walking in the zone the rouge router can attract.

What iOS are you running on your device and do you plan to upgrade? Let us know in the comments on our official Facebook page Entrepreneur India

Rustam Singh

Sub-Editor- Entrepreneur.com

Tech reporter.

Contact me if you have a truly unique technology related startup looking for a review and coverage, especially a crowd-funded project looking to launch and coverage.

News and Trends

Palette Brands, Clapingo, and Finsall Raise Early-Stage Funding

Here are the Indian startups that announced early-stage funding rounds.

News and Trends

Huddle Ventures Fund II Oversubscribed at INR 100 Cr

With an average USD 500k entry check and follow-on investments of up to USD 1 million per firm, the Gurugram-based firm hopes to make 20 investments from Fund II.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

News and Trends

Magenta Mobility Deepens Collaboration With Tata Motors, Deploys Over 100 Tata Ace EV

The Ace EV is powered by EVOGEN powertrain that offers an unparalleled driving experience with a 7-year battery warranty and a 5-year comprehensive maintenance package.