Newly found bug reportedly allows callers to spy on you – even if you don't pick up.

Dark Reading Staff, Dark Reading

January 29, 2019

1 Min Read

[This is a developing story -- more updates to come]

Security experts are warning Apple iOS users to immediately disable FaceTime on their devices after word began to spread today about a newly discovered bug that allows anyone to call you via the app and access your audio and video even if you don't answer the call.

Apple told BuzzFeed that the company was "aware of this issue and we have identified a fix that will be released in a software update later this week."

A video of how to FaceTime people and listen in or see them via their cameras spread via social media today, and the blog 9to5Mac later posted the actual steps involved:

  • "Start a FaceTime Video call with an iPhone contact.

  • Whilst the call is dialling, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap Add Person.Add your own phone number in the Add Person screen.

  • You will then start a group FaceTime call including yourself and the audio of the person you originally called, even if they haven’t accepted the call yet."

The best protection for now is to disable or turn off FaceTime, experts say.

Read more here and here

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Dark Reading Staff

Dark Reading

Dark Reading is a leading cybersecurity media site.

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