Security Flaw in Apple’s AirDrop Can Leak Your Personal Info to a Stranger

Apr. 26, 2021

Apple’s AirDrop is one of the most popular andfastest file-transfer functionalitiesthat lets iOS, iPadOS, and macOS users seamlessly transfer files and data between devices. Now, as per a recent report, a significant security flaw in the AirDrop systemcould potentially expose the user’s private informationto a stranger in their Wi-Fi range.

AirDrop Security Flaw

Coming to the vulnerability, it resides in Apple’s proprietory AirDrop system and has the potential to expose a user’s phone number and email address to a stranger who is in Wi-Fi range. And what makes the flaw even more dangerous is that the user does not even need to initiate a file transfer for a stranger to gain access to his/her private info. It activates as soon as a user turns on theAirDrop functionalityon their iPhone or any AirDrop-supported device.

The researchers state that the vulnerability is a result of using hash functions for the feature. Moreover, to gain access to the sensitive information of an Apple user using the AirDrop vulnerability, all an attacker needs is a Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device and proximity to the Wi-Fi range of the victim’s device.

Now, as per the researchers, there is no workaround to this security flaw as of now. If users want to avoid it, the only way to do so is by not using Apple’s file-sharing feature until the company releases a fix for it.

So, if you are an Apple user and do not want any stranger going through your phone number and accessing personal details, you can use some of theAirDrop alternatives. Moreover, you can use services such asSHAREitor itsalternativesto quickly transfer files between devices.

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