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07 Jul 2010
Security experts have renewed warnings to iPhone users thinking about jail-breaking their handset's operating system to run unauthorised software, as it will increase the risk of downloading malicious applications in the future.
The warnings come after Apple jail-break developer Comex revealed earlier this week that its Frash offering can allow Flash content to run on the iPad.
A description next to a YouTube clip showing Frash in action reads: "Frash can run most Flash programs natively in the MobileSafari browser. It currently only runs on the iPad, but support for other devices (3GS+ only due to technical restrictions) is planned, as well as support for iOS 4."
However, software assurance firm Fortify Software has warned users against jail-breaking their iPhones because it allows the devices to run third-party apps which have not been sanctioned or security vetted by Apple, and could therefore be infected with malware.
"Whilst Frash may look attractive to iPhone 4 and 3GS users wanting to surf to extra web sites, the reality is that users will have to jail-break their handsets to install this software, allowing the loading of apps from almost any source," said Barmak Meftah, Fortify's chief products officer.
"We urge smartphone users to think very carefully before downloading an app for their handset from an untried or unknown source, no matter how attractive the free app looks."
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Do you agree?
Really?
Let's have a look at what you just said. "...allowing the loading of apps from almost any source." Indeed it does, just as you can with any other computer. And you should accept nothing less. Think about it. Would you be fine with it if your desktop or laptop only ran apps approved by MS or Apple? Of course not. Jailbreaking DOES let you install apps from almost any source, but you're probably used to that already. You just do the same thing you've always done to avoid malware. Use common sense and don't install anything you're unsure of. If you have any sense at all, jailbreaking won't put you at a security risk. Just change your root password, and if that's not enough for you, don't install an SSH daemon.
Posted by: Justin Daigle 07 Jul 2010