Using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? You might lose your data to hackers
![Using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? You might lose your data to hackers Using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? You might lose your data to hackers](https://static.digit.in/Apple-18-1.png)
Security researchers have found new vulnerabilities in Apple's latest processors.
These vulnerabilities have been named FLOP and SLAP.
This is concerning because this can lead hackers to users' sensitive information from web browsers.
A report has been posted on the internet claiming that several Apple processors are prone to letting cyber attackers access data in iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Security researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Ruhr University Bochum have found new vulnerabilities in Apple’s latest processors. This is concerning because this can lead hackers to users’ sensitive information from web browsers. These vulnerabilities have been named FLOP and SLAP, and are linked to speculative execution flaws. We have seen similar risks with the infamous Spectre and Meltdown attacks as well.
The researchers explained that Apple’s M2 and A15 chips try to predict the next memory address that will be accessed. Moreover, The M3 and A17 chips also attempt to predict the data value that will be returned from memory. However, these predictions can sometimes go wrong, which can lead to random computations of incorrect data.
Furthermore, if this happens, it could lead to serious security issues. This includes breaking out of the web browser’s safety measures and accessing personal information on browsers like Safari and Chrome. If any hacker were to steal it, it could be executed remotely through a web browser using malicious JavaScript or WebAssembly code.
The researchers also disclosed SLAP to Apple on March 24, 2024, and FLOP on September 3, 2024. Apple then acknowledged this and here’s how it responded:
“We want to thank the researchers for their collaboration as this proof of concept advances our understanding of these types of threats. Based on our analysis, we do not believe this issue poses an immediate risk to our users.”
Now if you don’t want to get attacked by cyber attackers and want to keep your data safe, you can turn off JavaScript in Safari and Chrome until Apple releases security updates. But this can break many websites. The FLOP and SLAP attacks are serious because they affect modern hardware and can be done remotely, making them a big threat right now.
Also Watch
Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is new on the block and is a tech geek who is currently working with Digit as a News Writer. He tests the new gadgets that come on board and writes for the news desk. He has found his way with words and you can count on him when in need of tech advice. No judgement. He is based out of Delhi, he’s your person for good photos, good food recommendations, and to know about anything GenZ. View Full Profile