Apple’s newest iPhone 17 introduces a brand new layer of protection for crypto customers with hardware-level reminiscence protections that intention to stop frequent assault vectors used to hijack signing operations.
At the core of this improve is Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE), a characteristic enabled by default that makes use of Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension (EMTE)-style reminiscence tagging to detect and block harmful reminiscence entry varieties like out-of-bounds and use-after-free errors.
According to cybersecurity agency Hacken, the brand new MIE system “meaningfully” reduces the chance of attackers utilizing memory-corruption zero-days to take management of signing code. “It’s an actual plus for crypto customers, particularly high-net-worth or frequent signers,” Hacken informed Cointelegraph.
These vulnerabilities reportedly account for practically 70% of software program flaws and are sometimes exploited in zero-day assaults focusing on wallets and Passkey approvals.
Related: Apple patches zero-click exploit threatening crypto customers
Apple boosts iPhone 17 defenses
Hacken defined that MIE actively detects and blocks harmful reminiscence entry patterns like out-of-bounds and use-after-free errors, stopping many frequent exploit chains. It’s always-on throughout each kernel and user-level processes, making spy ware improvement tougher and costly.
“It raises the bar for attackers and makes focused spy ware/exploit improvement a lot tougher and dearer,” Hacken mentioned. “That instantly advantages pockets apps and Passkey flows that depend on in-process operations,” the blockchain safety agency added.
However, MIE isn’t a silver bullet. It doesn’t defend in opposition to phishing, social engineering, malicious internet content material, or compromised apps. Furthermore, it doesn’t substitute safe {hardware} wallets or eradicate the necessity for person vigilance.
“Security enhancements scale back total danger however don’t make gadgets invulnerable,” Hacken mentioned, asking customers to be vigilant and anticipate new vulnerabilities.
Related: Apple eyes generative AI to hurry up customized chip design: Report
Apple crypto customers face safety threats
Apple’s crypto customers have been going through critical safety threats. Last month, it was revealed {that a} zero-click vulnerability permits attackers to compromise iPhones, iPads and Macs with out person interplay. Apple launched safety patches throughout a number of OS variations to repair the flaw.
Earlier this yr, Kaspersky warned that malicious software program improvement kits utilized in apps on Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store are scanning customers’ photograph galleries for crypto pockets restoration phrases.
Last yr, Trust Wallet additionally warned Apple customers to disable iMessage because of “credible intel” of a high-risk zero-day exploit circulating on the Dark Web that would let hackers take management of iPhones with out person interplay.
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