Usually the bastion of personal security, Apple was under fire recently for a bug that allowed people to hear audio and view video from a target device on FaceTime, even if the call was rejected.
The software glitch, on versions of Apple’s mobile software iOS 12.1 or later, was occurring when people used the Group FaceTime feature.
The company was forced to disable the Group FaceTime feature after it was criticised for allowing eavesdropping on iPhone devices.
Just over a week later, Apple has released an update that will fix the security flaw.
How to update your iPhone to fix the Group FaceTime glitch
- Be sure to back up your device first, either to iCloud or Google Drive, so you don’t lose any images or files in the update
- To update to iOS 12.1.4, go into Settings > General > Software Update
- Your phone should find the update, which you can then download and install
- Now, you are free to carry out Group FaceTime calls without the fear of being under surveillance
This is only one of the recent security issues Apple has faced in the past few weeks concerning its iPhone devices. According to a report by TechCrunch, major companies including Expedia, Hollister and Hotels.com were using third-party analytics tools to record every tap and swipe people were making inside their booking apps.
The apps were failing to notify and ask permission from users when they downloaded the app that this would be happening.
It is particularly serious when it comes to travel companies, as in some cases sensitive data, including passport numbers and credit card numbers were leaking.
Apple responded to the report, saying that it is instructing app developers to either remove their usage of these tools or properly disclose they are using them when someone interacts with the iPhone app.
In a statement, Apple said: “Protecting user privacy is paramount in the Apple ecosystem. Our App Store Review Guidelines require that apps request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of user activity.”
“We have notified the developers that are in violation of these strict privacy terms and guidelines, and will take immediate action if necessary.”
Whilst Android has faced security issues in the past when it comes to dodgy apps on the Google Play Store, Apple has always upheld privacy as its number one priority, even taking out a billboard at CES to proclaim: “What happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone.”
These updates should go somewhere to restoring faith in Apple’s protective abilities.
