Skip to main content

iOS users beware! Your charger can be used to load malware onto your device

iPhone 5 Lightning chargerJust when you thought it was safe to borrow an iPhone charger from a complete stranger, Georgia Institute of Technology researchers have discovered a way to bypass Apple security using one, according to Tech News World.

Billy Lau, a research scientist who lead the team of students working on the project, said that, after loading the malware onto the charger, it took less than a minute to compromise the security of the iOS device, regardless of whether or not it was jailbroken or if the user even took any action on the phone.

Recommended Videos

Like Lau pointed out, most iOS users tend to feel that their devices are impenetrable, as far as viruses are concerned, so few are likely to actually install any antivirus software, opening them up to an onslaught from hackers who, guaranteed, are very well aware of this knowledge.

The finding will be presented in great depth at this year’s Black Hat USA 2013, which takes place in Las Vegas from July 27 through August 1. They will discuss Mactans, the name they’ve given the hacked chargers, and how they work.

Essentially, after bypassing the iPhone’s security software, the virus mimics the same approach Apple’s built-in software works, hiding in the background, virtually undetectable, but still fully running. They’ll also discuss what a well-funded group of hackers could do with this vulnerability; Lau pointed out that his team was under both time and financial restrictions.

Just how big is this potential threat? At first glance, it may seem as though it’s not really that big a deal. Just use your own charger and be done with it. However, consider the rise in the “bring your own device” concept many businesses are starting to implement among their employees, coupled with the U.S. military’s recent decision to approve iOS devices for official use. It doesn’t cost that much to build a charger that looks exactly like Apple’s charger; all it would take is a quick switch. Whether one infected phone could spread the virus to others on the same network, Lau did not comment on, but hopefully will comment on at next month’s event.

For now, everyday Joes probably don’t really need to worry about this. But for all you high profile peeps … don’t leave your charger at home.

Joshua Pramis
Spending a childhood engrossed in such technologically inspiring television shows like Voltron, Small Wonder, and Power…
iOS 19 isn’t coming this fall … because Apple is calling it something else
The back of the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Apple will unveil the latest version of the iPhone operating system at WWDC next month, but apparently it won’t be “iOS 19.”

The tech giant is going to shake up the naming system for iOS, with the next version set to be called iOS 26, according to a Bloomberg report by prominent Apple tipster Mark Gurman on Wednesday.

Read more
5 lost iOS features I want to see return in iOS 19
Siri being shown on an iPhone 15 Pro on iOS 18.

In the second week of June, Apple will likely give the world a glimpse of its jazzed-up operating systems at WWDC 2025, and a major redesign is expected for iOS 19. Though I’ve always yearned for a return to the skeuomorphism look, we are hearing that Apple is eying a unified aesthetic language that is more reminiscent of Vision OS running on its uber-expensive headset.

A lot of eyes and ears will hunt for AI-related announcements, especially in the wake of Apple Intelligence flubs and delays. On the more practical side of things, an AI fitness coach might land this year with the iOS 19 update. But after going through all the hype and rumors, I hope Apple brings back the following features that it abandoned years ago, but with a modern makeover: 

Read more
iOS 18.5 arrives as Apple edges closer to big iOS 19 reveal
The iOS 18.5 update waiting on an iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Apple has released iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, the latest software updates for its iPhone and iPad models. As the version numbers suggest, Apple is gradually getting closer to the announcement of iOS 19, which will almost certainly be one of the main topics during its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) keynote which takes place on June 9. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about iOS and iPadOS 18.5.

Apple iPhone and iPad owners can check their devices for the update now by opening the Settings app, tapping General, and then Software Update. If iOS 18.5 or iPadOS 18.5 is available, it’ll show up here and you only need to follow the instructions to install it. What will you find once it’s all up and running?This isn’t a big software update, so don’t expect to spot any major alterations. Likely the most obvious will be a new wallpaper in Apple’s 2025 Pride collection, which follows the recent release of a special Pride 2025-themed Sport Band for the Apple Watch. If you’re a parent and your child has an iPhone, you’ll receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used, provided both devices have iOS 18.5 installed. 

Read more