FollowA while back we wrote about Facebook cookies and ads preference and today it’s time we took a look at what Facebook’s been doing in terms of security. It appears that Facebook will fix a security issue in its iOS app, and will release an update to the application. The app will feature an update which is hoping to fix a flaw in the programming that allows the apps to make phone calls without the knowledge or consent of the user.
This bug has caused serious outrage among Facebook iOS app users and the promise that Facebook will fix the security issue has somehow calmed people a bit, but the threat is still there. Actually, Android has caused similar concern by adding to the terms and conditions of downloading the Facebook messenger app a stipulation that allows making changes without your permission. This statement is suspicious and its umbrella term meaning could open to door for hackers or even apps to gain access to your smartphone without you knowing.
Until recently, only Android was thought to have such a risk, but this week, Andrei Neculaesei, a Copenhagen-based developer, discovered a bug in the programming of the Facebook iOS app, that could allow expensive calls be made by your phone without your permission or even knowledge.
Andrei Neculaesei revealed this on his personal blog and explained that your iPhone could be hijacked when you click on a web link. After this reveal, Facebook announced that it is already in the works for developing an update that will surely address the security threat. A release date for the update has not yet been made available.
What are you to do until Facebook fixes the security issue in its iOS app? Delete the app? Not really, but what you should do from now on is carefully read the fine print before agreeing to anything installing on your computer or smartphone. Any program or app that requests access to your phone’s data, such as contacts and mails, should be treated with extra caution.
Has your iPhone ever been hacked or has it ever called someone you didn’t want to call? Do you always read the terms and conditions before installing an app? Do you think that this is just the beginning of issues for smartphone apps? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below, we would love to hear from you!
