Tag Archive for: Running

The jig is up: Flipper Zero can no longer crash iPhones running iOS 17.2

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flipper zero ios 17.2

December could very well be security month at Apple with the launch of Stolen Device Protection, the shuttering of Beeper Mini, and now, the stealthy fix to a Bluetooth exploit that has been wreaking havoc for iPhone and iPad users since its discovery in September.

Flipper Zero is no match for iOS 17.2

First pointed out by ZDNet, 9to5Mac can confirm that Apple has finally implemented safeguards in iOS 17.2 to prevent Flipper Zero devices from sending nearby iPhones and iPads into never-ending denial of service (DoS) loops.

Out of the box, Flipper Zero is a pretty harmless pen-testing tool. However, since the device is open source, it can be modified with third-party firmware (in this case, Xtreme) that provides a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) spam app.

Using a flaw in the BLE pairing sequence, the app can send nearby devices an overwhelming amount of Bluetooth connection notifications, causing them to freeze up and reboot. It’s a process that takes about five minutes, or what I can imagine feels like an eternity for an unsuspecting victim.

With a radio range of about 50 meters (~164 feet), threat actors have reportedly used malicious Flipper Zero devices to pull off undetected DoS attacks on trains, coffee shops, and concert venues.

flipper zero iphone ios 17 bluetooth exploit attack
Flipper Zero device running Xtreme third-party firmware imitating an AirPods pairing request

What could iOS 17.2’s new safeguards be? When running a Flipper Zero against my own devices, I’ve found a few pesky popups still appear before completely stopping. This could point to a new send advertising packets (ADV) request timeout Apple has implemented. However, we may never know.

To update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 17.2, head to Settings > tap General > Software Update.

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New Director Information Warfare set to hit the ground running

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Defence SA has appointed Dr Dave Ormrod as its inaugural Director Information Warfare. Commencing on 3 July, Dave is a leader in information warfare (IW) and cyber security with more than 25 years of industry experience.

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price said the newly created role will assist in ensuring South Australia is able to maximise opportunities across the key areas of intelligence surveillance reconnaissance and electronic warfare (ISREW), cyber and ICT for Defence and space.

“South Australia is the hub for Information Warfare and the state has significant high quality research depth with potential to capitalise on a range of opportunities under the AUKUS Pillar 2 agreement,” said Richard.

“Dave’s significant experience in the field will be an asset to the state in supporting a sustainable IW industry for South Australia.”

Dave’s perspective as a member of the IW community has been shaped by his experience serving in the Australian Defence Force, as well as working with defence industry, federal and state government, and the cyber security industry more broadly. Throughout his career, Dave has built high performing security teams, tailored cyber security solutions, and acted as a trusted advisor and collaborator to C-suite Executives. He has worked across Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“It is a great privilege to join the experienced Defence SA team and I appreciate the opportunity to support the development of an enduring, sustainable, and effective IW capability in South Australia,” Dave said.

“I’m excited to be returning to Adelaide. I have a strong desire to further South Australia’s defence industry capabilities, extending upon my career working with the Australian Defence Force, industry, academia and our allies.”

Dave has made the move to Adelaide from Canberra with his wife Amy, where his most recent role was as a Director in the McGrathNicol cyber security risk and strategy business.

In addition to his practical experience from the military and industry, Dave has a PhD in Computer Science and is a graduate of both the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Program and…

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The Fairphone 4 comes to the US – but it’s not running the Android you know

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The Fairphone 4 is going on sale in the US, Fairphone announced, but it won’t be running the same Google Play-enabled Android like you’ll find on the best Android phones. It’ll be powered by /e/OS, a secure mobile operating system based on Android but without any Google software, developed by a company called Murena.

 “We are excited to bring high-quality sustainable phones with advanced privacy features to the USA,” Gaël Duval, Murena CEO and /e/OS founder said in a press release. “With the inclusion of our pro-privacy operating system /e/OS, we are proud to offer users a device that not only lasts longer but also protects people’s personal data. At Murena, we are convinced that this is the perfect combination for a more ethical phone.”

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5 ways to protect your Windows PC and keep it running smoothly

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When was the last time you checked your computer’s available storage? Too much clutter slows everything down. Here’s a quick tip to find out how much storage is on your PC.

Next time you install a new program, don’t fall for some developers’ tricks to sneak in software you don’t want or need. Do this one step before installing any programs on your computer.

Whether your computer is brand new or years old, these tips can help you clean things up and stay safer. Read on to see if you’re making these mistakes.

1. You didn’t stop programs from slowing down startup

Most apps don’t need to start up every time you boot your PC. All this does is slow you down. 

You can disable startup apps through your Settings in Windows 10 and 11. Here’s how:

  • Open Settings through the Start menu or search for “settings” in the taskbar.
  • Select Apps, then Startup.
  • Click on the slider next to each app to disable or enable it.
  • Each app has a description showing its impact level. You can disable high-impact apps to speed up your PC.

Keyboard smarts: Work faster and smarter with these 7 Windows key shortcuts 

2. You have to sift through bloatware

It’s not just programs you want that can slow you down. Most computers include pre-installed — and unnecessary — apps and programs known as bloatware. Scan through your app list to identify any you never use, and follow these steps to delete them.

Here’s how to remove apps you don’t use from Windows 10:

  • Open Settings through the Start menu or search for “settings” in the taskbar.
  • Select Apps, then Apps & Features.
  • Click on an application you want to remove and select Uninstall.

Here’s how to remove apps from Windows 11:

  • Open Settings through the Start menu or search for “settings” in the taskbar.
  • Select Apps, then Apps & Features.
  • Find an application you want to remove and click on the three dots to the right of the app.
  • Click Uninstall in the popup window.

3. You’re not using the features that make life easier

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