Can Apple AirTags get hacked?

Absolutely, and this guy shows how. Apple’s new AirTags have been hacked — but not in any way that you need to worry about. German hardware hacker Thomas Roth, aka GhidraNinja, posted on Twitter Saturday (May 8) that he had managed to extract, alter and reload an AirTag’s firmware.

How the Apple AirTags were hacked?

Now, a security researcher was able to hack the accessory, modifying its NFC URL for Lost Mode. The German security researcher Stack Smashing tweeted today (via The 8-bit) that he was able to “break into the microcontroller of the AirTag” and modified elements of the item tracker software.

Are Apple AirTags secure?

Apple’s AirTags are useful button-like devices that you can use to find things such as sets of keys or other small items. But AirTags also pose privacy and security risks that all iPhone users should know about. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy.

Can Apple be hacked easily?

While iOS security gets a lot of well-deserved praise, the Apple marketing hype of “unhackable” isn’t 100 percent true. Even though iOS security is excellent and Android security is more vulnerable, you shouldn’t rely on Apple to protect your data all by itself.

How do I use AirTags on my iPhone?

Add an AirTag

1. Go to the Home Screen on your iPhone.
2. Remove the battery tab from the AirTag (if applicable), then hold it near your iPhone.
3. Tap Connect on the screen of your iPhone.
4. Choose a name from the list or choose Custom Name to type a name and select an emoji, then tap Continue.

What do Apple AirTags do?

How does it work? Your AirTag sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network. These devices send the location of your AirTag to iCloud — then you can go to the Find My app and see it on a map. The whole process is anonymous and encrypted to protect your privacy.

Are AirTags allowed on planes?

If you were wondering whether you could use AirTags to track your checked baggage, and find out whether it really is where the airline says it is, a travel website says the answer is yes.

How accurate are AirTags?

We found that the U1 chip in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are great at finding the AirTag. Using the Ultra Wideband frequency, you’ll be able to track from 15 feet away to inches.

What is Apple AirTags used for?

Apple in April 2021 unveiled its long awaited AirTag after years of rumors and speculation. The small circular tag is designed to be attached to items like keys and wallets to allow these accessories to be tracked using Bluetooth right alongside Apple devices in the Find My app.

How long do Apple AirTags last?

Apple says the AirTag battery will last about a year. When that time comes, it’s really easy to change the battery. AirTag uses a CR2032 battery, the kind of battery often found in remote controls and other handy devices. You can find them in most stores that sell batteries and they cost a couple of bucks each.

How does Apple’s airtag protect the privacy of its users?

The AirTag doesn’t know which Apple device picked up and relayed its messages, thus preserving the privacy of the person whose device helped out by providing internet access to deliver the Find My report. Apple knows which device sent in the Find My message but can’t decrypt it, so the location of the relay is kept private.

Can Apple’s airtags be used for stalking?

Apple says it has implemented a range of safeguards to detect and prevent attempts to use AirTags for stalking, including an alert triggered when an AirTag seems to be accompanying someone who’s not its owner. The alert can appear on the victim’s phone (if they use an iPhone) but can also raise an audible alert on the tag itself.

Does airtag use data on your iPhone?

Everyone’s iPhone (assuming Bluetooth is enabled) is listening for AirTags. When it “hears” one, it uploads details of that tag’s identifier and the phone’s location to Apple’s servers. Besides any privacy concerns, this is also likely to use small amounts of your data allowance.

How do I stop Apple airtags from Tracking my location?

A simple option to avoid your device acting as a cog in Apple’s machine is to turn off Bluetooth and location services. With Bluetooth disabled, your device won’t “see” the beacons coming from AirTags, and without location services you can’t report the proximity of the tag.