Creeps could use AirTags to stalk people with ‘frightening’ ease
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11% OffApple isnt the only business making location-tracking Bluetooth devices, obviously. Others like Tile have been working in this area for a long period of time. And Apple took preventative measures to counter the threat of AirTags being utilized for stalking, which could be built on in future upgrades or software updates.
Still, its certainly something that needs to be taken seriously. Any type of location-tracking tech has the potential to be utilized for damage in addition to excellent. As potential issues are discovered, hopefully the best steps will be taken to rectify them.
Geoffrey Fowler composes that he permitted an associate at the paper to track him for a week by placing an AirTag in his backpack. When he was out cycling, the AirTag enabled his place to be tracked within half a block. When he returned home, the device provided his “stalker” the precise address.
Apples anti-stalker functions
Source: Washington Post (paywall).
The dangers of location-tracking. Picture: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Geoffrey Fowler writes that he allowed a colleague at the paper to track him for a week by placing an AirTag in his backpack. When he was out biking, the AirTag allowed his place to be tracked within half a block. Given that lots of victims live with their abusers, the alert countdown might be reset each night when the owner of the AirTag comes back into its variety …
Also likewise: Theres an option choice the Find Discover app to turn off all of these item product securityNotifies– and adjusting changing doesnt require need your PIN or password. Fowler said that an AirTag alert quantities to “just 15 seconds of light chirping” at 60 decibels.
It it “frighteningly simple” to use Apples location-tracking AirTag to stalk someone, a brand-new report suggests.
While Apple states its taken care to include anti-stalking steps to stop the AirTags from being used in this method, a Washington Post writer states Apples countermeasures are ineffective.
Apple worked to come up with options for this scenario. However Fowler wasnt won over by them. He discusses the issue:
” An AirTag begins a three-day countdown clock on its alarm as soon as its out of the series of the iPhone its coupled with. Given that lots of victims cope with their abusers, the alert countdown might be reset each night when the owner of the AirTag comes back into its range …
Also troubling: Theres an alternative in the Find My app to switch off all of these product security alerts– and changing it does not need entering your PIN or password. Individuals in abusive scenarios dont constantly have overall control over their phones.”
While AirTags come with an integrated speaker, its small– and could possibly be handicapped or stifled. Fowler said that an AirTag alert quantities to “simply 15 seconds of light chirping” at 60 decibels.