Microphone Accessible To Hackers?

[ItsWelshy]

Hi All,

Just been reading the story of the hack for the facetime camera on the front page, and was wondering, would someone theoretically be able to have the microphone?

And if so, would they still be able to hack it when the machine is in 'sleep' mode, rather than powered off?

Privacy is something we all take for granted with Apple products, as I always assume they'll protect us.

 

[Swampus]

Just curious, but what was that music you were listening to just after posting this comment? I like it. Do you think you could put it back on and turn it up a little?

 

[scaredpoet]

Hi All,

Just been reading the story of the hack for the facetime camera on the front page, and was wondering, would someone theoretically be able to have the microphone?

To be clear: the hack works for macs built in 2008 and prior, not for later models. Though that's not to say that some other hack would make newer macs vulnerable.

And second: it's theoretically possible that malware could activate a microphone. You'd of course have to be infected with said malware first, of course.

And if so, would they still be able to hack it when the machine is in 'sleep' mode, rather than powered off?

The mac would likely have to be powered up, but a sophisticated-enough piece of malware could theoretically modify the kernel to change the power profiles around, and make it possible.

Privacy is something we all take for granted with Apple products, as I always assume they'll protect us.

No. Never assume a computer or computer company is going to protect you. Apple will likely not enjoy the bad press and will work on fixes as much as they can, but that's absolutely no guarantee of anything.

Rely on YOURSELF to protect yourself. Read this guide to get the lowdown on OS X malware and steps to take, and use common sense.

 

[GSPice]

 

[Jnesbitt82]

Image

You should so market that on Amazon!