After releasing its iOS 7.1.1 update, a rather simple flaw has been discovered which affects iPhone and iPad users. The security bug allows anyone to access your device contacts even when your phone is locked. The culprit? Siri, your voice assistant which is a little too helpful in this case.
Someone has discovered that Siri would let strangers bypass the standard passcode and they could make a phone call, SMS or even send Emails. With the device being locked, all you need to do is ask Siri to Call or Message or Email then followed by typing in a random name or alphabet on the screen. Next it will reveal “Other” contacts option and by tapping that you will be able to see the entire contacts.
This however isn’t really a huge security concern as it doesn’t give access beyond that. So don’t worry about people prying into your apps, photos and other data. The best remedy for the time being is to disable Siri, especially if you don’t use it on a regular basis. Hopefully Apple is working on a new iOS update as we speak to address this.
Check out the video on how this is done after the break.
