iPhone security flaw leaves phones open to abuse

A simple iPhone exploit lets unauthorised users quickly bypass the device's lock screen.

The mounting list of faults surrounding Apple's massively popular iPhone range continues to grow.

The latest security woe comes with the news that the device's lock screen is easily able to be bypassed, giving unscrupulous individuals the ability to make calls, send emails and access some data stored on the phone.

According to numerous online gadget blogs this feat is achieved by simply entering a random number into the iPhone's lockscreen emergency call field, pressing call, and then hitting the hardware lock button.

Doing this transports unauthorised users directly to the Phone app, granting them full access to call history, voicemail, and the address book.

Holding down the menu button also allows access to voice control and music.

This is of particular concern as unauthorised calls could in theory be made and emails sent using this security flaw.

Whilst there is still a significant amount of confusion surrounding this security issue, it is also understood to exist on the iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 models that are running the latest version of iOS.


This is not the first time that the iPhone's security has been questioned. Most recently, Australian Crime Commission boss John Lawler said the popularity of smartphone devices had opened up 'boundless opportunities' for cyber crime gangs.

He said an entire industry had sprung up around the devices, singling out the iPhone as a high risk, as it was third most used business phone system in the world.

Last year, an Australian student developed a 'worm' for the iPhone which spread across wireless networks and allowed hackers to access data stored on infected phones.