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AirTag Exploits and How to Stay Protected

AirTag Exploits and How to Stay Protected

AirTag Exploits and How to Stay Protected

AirTags are smart tracking devices widely used by forgetful individuals, parents—and even car thieves. Through Apple's Find My network, users can track the location of objects or people. But today, this technology can be turned into a powerful surveillance tool — without even using a physical AirTag.

 

 Hacking Without an AirTag: Just Malware and Bluetooth

Recent research shows that cybercriminals can install malware on a victim’s device (such as a phone or laptop) to make it simulate AirTag signals. Nearby Apple devices detect these fake signals and relay location data to Apple’s servers.

Thanks to end-to-end encryption and the lack of signal source verification, attackers can track the victim’s exact location — with no actual AirTag involved.

 

 How the Attack Works – Step by Step

  1. Install malware on the victim's device
  2. Generate a unique encryption key based on the device's Bluetooth address
  3. Send fake Bluetooth signals mimicking an AirTag
  4. Nearby Apple devices detect the signal and send the location to Apple servers
  5. The attacker decrypts the data using their private key

 

 How Accurate Is the Tracking?

In urban environments:

  • Location is identified within 6 to 7 minutes
  • Accuracy is around 3 meters

In tests:

  • Even usable on airplanes
  • Researchers logged 17 GPS points during a 90-minute flight to recreate the flight path

 

 Requirements for the Attack

  • Malware infection: Easier on Linux systems
  • Bluetooth access: Often granted to apps like music players or file transfer tools
  • Key generation cost: About $2.20 per target, making it affordable for targeted espionage

 

 Apple’s Response

Apple patched this vulnerability in December 2024 through security updates for:

  • iOS 18.2
  • macOS Ventura 13.7.2 / Sonoma 14.7.2 / Sequoia 15.2
  • iPadOS 17.7.3 and 18.2
  • watchOS 11.2
  • tvOS 18.2
  • visionOS 2.2

However, unless all users update their devices, the risk remains.

 

 How to Protect Yourself

  1. Turn off Bluetooth when not needed
  2. Install apps only from trusted sources
  3. Review app permissions (especially for location and Bluetooth)
  4. Keep your OS and apps updated
  5. Use reputable antivirus software

 

 Conclusion

This research highlights how seemingly harmless technologies like AirTags can become tools for privacy invasion. While Apple has addressed the issue, user awareness and preventive action remain essential for digital safety

 

Source: MedadPress
 www.medadpress.ir