If you own an iPhone, iPad, or any Apple device that uses AirPlay, you could be at risk of a serious cyberattack—and you might not even know it. Recent revelations from cybersecurity experts have sent shockwaves through the tech world, with urgent warnings for all Apple users.
A hidden flaw in your device could let hackers take control, steal your data, and even eavesdrop on your conversations. Here’s what you need to know, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself right now.
A team of cybersecurity researchers at Oligo Security has uncovered 23 vulnerabilities in Apple’s AirPlay technology. AirPlay is a handy feature that lets you stream music, videos, and photos from your iPhone or iPad to your TV, speakers, or other smart devices.
However, these vulnerabilities—collectively dubbed ‘AirBorne’—could allow hackers to infiltrate your device if it’s on the same Wi-Fi network.
Worse still, two of these flaws are so severe that they could let cybercriminals ‘weaponise’ your iPhone, using it to spread malware to other devices on your home network. That means your phone could become a launchpad for attacks on your computer, smart TV, or even your family’s devices.
An Apple representative mentioned that the flaws can only be exploited if the attacker is on the same Wi-Fi network as the targeted device.
If a hacker manages to get onto your Wi-Fi network—say, by guessing your password at a café, hotel, or even your own home—they could exploit these AirPlay bugs to:
- Install malware on your device.
- Steal your personal information, including passwords and banking details.
- Crash your device or make it unusable.
- Listen in on your conversations or access your photos and files.
And while Apple has already released software updates to fix these flaws on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Vision Pro devices, the problem doesn’t end there.
Many third-party devices (think smart TVs, speakers, and streaming boxes) that support AirPlay may not have received these critical updates yet, and some may never get them.
According to Oligo Security, tens of millions of third-party AirPlay-enabled devices could remain vulnerable for years, even indefinitely, if their manufacturers don’t issue timely updates.
That means even if your iPhone is up to date, a vulnerable TV or speaker on your network could still be a weak link that hackers can exploit.
‘Because AirPlay is supported in such a wide variety of devices, there are a lot that will take years to patch—or they will never be patched. And it’s all because of vulnerabilities in one piece of software that affects everything,’ Barak Elbaz, chief executive officer of Oligo Security, said.
What should you do right now?
1. Update your Apple devices: The most crucial step is ensuring your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and any other Apple devices are running the latest software. Apple released patches for these vulnerabilities on 31 March, so if you haven’t updated them since then, do so now.
- On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- On Mac: Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Check your third-party devices: Using AirPlay with smart TVs, speakers, or other gadgets, check the manufacturer’s website or support page for any available firmware updates. If updates aren’t available, consider disconnecting these devices from your Wi-Fi network or disabling AirPlay.
3. Disable AirPlay for extra safety: If you rarely use AirPlay or want peace of mind, you can turn it off entirely. This stops your device from constantly broadcasting and listening for AirPlay signals, making it much harder for hackers to find a way in. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap ‘General’, then ‘AirPlay & Handoff’ (or ‘AirPlay & Continuity’).
- Tap ‘Automatically AirPlay’ and select ‘Never’.
4. Secure your Wi-Fi network: If available, make sure your home Wi-Fi uses a strong, unique password and WPA3 encryption. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, and consider setting up a guest network for visitors.
Have you ever been targeted by a scam or had a close call with a dodgy device? Do you use AirPlay, and will you turn it off after reading this? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your story could help others stay safe.
Also read: 3 easy settings to boost your iPhone privacy
