A new malicious video is being sent to iPhone and iPad owners that can cause their device to freeze. The video is apparently being sent as a message with a link, and when someone clicks the link, it then crashes their iOS device.
When the phone crashes, it is then frozen until you do a hard reset. You can see the bug in action in the video below.
As we can see from the video, the only way to restart your device after you have played this video is to do a hard reset. This can be done by holding down the home and power button on your iPad or iPhone at the same time. On the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, you need to hold the volume down and power button to hard reset the handset.
Understanding the Impact of the Malicious Video
The malicious video exploit is particularly concerning because it can affect any iOS device, regardless of the model or iOS version. This means that a wide range of users are vulnerable to this issue. The video works by exploiting a flaw in the way iOS handles video playback, causing the device to become unresponsive. This type of vulnerability can be particularly dangerous because it can be easily shared through messaging apps, social media, or email, making it a widespread problem.
While the video suggests that you could use this trick to prank your friends, it might not be a good idea to do this as there are no details on what other issues this malicious video may cause. For instance, repeatedly forcing your device to hard reset could potentially lead to data corruption or loss. Additionally, there is always the risk that such exploits could be used for more malicious purposes, such as installing malware or stealing personal information.
Preventive Measures and Best Practices
To protect yourself from such malicious videos and other similar threats, it is essential to follow some best practices:
1. Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links: Be cautious about clicking on links from unknown sources. If you receive a message with a link from someone you do not know or if the link looks suspicious, it is best to avoid clicking on it.
2. Keep Your Device Updated: Apple regularly releases updates to iOS that include security patches. Keeping your device updated ensures that you have the latest protections against known vulnerabilities.
3. Use Security Software: Consider using reputable security software that can help detect and block malicious content before it can harm your device.
4. Backup Your Data: Regularly backing up your data can help you recover quickly if your device is affected by a malicious attack. Use iCloud or another backup solution to keep your important information safe.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest security threats and share this information with friends and family. Awareness is a crucial step in preventing the spread of malicious content.
In conclusion, while the malicious video causing iOS devices to freeze may seem like a harmless prank, it poses significant risks to users. By understanding the impact of such exploits and following preventive measures, you can protect your device and personal information from potential harm.
Source 9 to 5 Mac
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