Apple slams Google for ‘stoking fear’ among iPhone users with cryptic security warnings
APPLE has hit back at Google for finding a major security flaw in the iPhone.
Researchers at the search giant claimed last month that holes in Apple's iOS software left iPhone users exposed to malicious hackers.
For hackers to break into your phone, all they needed to do was get you to visit a website riddled with viruses, according to security experts at Google's Project Zero Team.
From here, they could take control of your iPhone or iPad, potentially allowing them to steal your usernames, passwords or bank details.
They did not give details on how they found it, or how to use it.
"There was no target discrimination; simply visiting the hacked site was enough for the exploit server to attack your device, and if it was successful, install a monitoring implant," the team said.
But Apple, which regularly boasts of its dedication to user privacy and security, says Google's claims are exaggerated.
The iPhone-maker said the vulnerability was fixed six months ago, and was already in the process of being fixed when Google warned Apple of the flaw.
It claimed the bug was patched just ten days after the communication. There's no way of knowing if any iPhone users were affected.
"Google’s post, issued six months after iOS patches were released, creates the false impression of ‘mass exploitation’ to ‘monitor the private activities of entire populations in real time’," Apple said in a statement.
"It stokes fear among all iPhone users that their devices had been compromised. This was never the case."
Apple has several projects in place to try and find vulnerabilities in iOS before malicious hackers do.
One of these is a bug bounty programme, which offers up to £800,000 to ethical hackers that responsibly reported vulnerabilities.
In response to Apple's comment, Google doubled down on its research.
"Project Zero posts technical research that is designed to advance the understanding of security vulnerabilities, which leads to better defensive strategies," a Google spokesperson told .
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"We stand by our in-depth research which was written to focus on the technical aspects of these vulnerabilities. We will continue to work with Apple and other leading companies to help keep people safe online.”
The spat comes ahead of Apple's big September 10 launch event.
The company is expected to launch a load of new gadgets, including a rumoured three new iPhones.
A new Apple Watch and updates to the iPhone's iOS software are also reportedly on the way.
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In other iPhone news, we recently revealed how to stop pranksters sending texts from your phone through its lock screen.
A spy firm recently warned of a new £60 hacking tool that can unlock any iPhone or iPad in seconds.
We've put together a list of iPhone tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your mobile.
Got any good iPhone tips? Let us know in the comments!
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