Bluetooth flaw could leave iPhones, Macs and more susceptible to tracking
What you need to know
- A new Bluetooth flaw could leave you open for third-party tracking.
- The issue is affecting iPhones, iPad, Macs, Apple Watches, Windows 10 devices and Fitbit devices.
- The flaw can track the random MAC address Bluetooth uses by guessing the immidiete next address and keep tracking the device.
- A simple solution users can use is turning off and on the Bluetooth on their devices and it'll randomize the address again.
There's a new security to worry about that is affecting iPhones, iPads, Macs, Windows 10 devices, and Fitbit devices. The new Bluetooth flaw discovered by researchers at Boston University leaves devices open for third-party tracking.
Here's how the flaw works:
Normally, a Bluetooth use random MAC addresses to track a device, but the flaw is able to pinpoint the address and the track and possible even lift information off a device.
Apple not any other company has commented on the issue. It's unclear if they can patch the flaw with an over the air update. A simple solution you can use right now is turning off and on your Bluetooth, which will randomize the address and change the payload, eliminating the vulnerability.
The entire Boston University paper is worth reading up on.
Master your iPhone in minutes
iMore offers spot-on advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of Apple device experience to lean on. Learn more with iMore!