Dangerous Text Message?

[Palmpilot]

I received a text message on my iPhone from an email address I don't recognize. Could there be a danger of a hijack attempt or some other kind of malware if I open it?

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

Good move, really, that's how computers get ransom ware.

I believe he was discussing a text message on an iPhone. I think that would be de minimus risk. But no reason to open such things.

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

Remember iPhones are computers.
https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-180245/

Are there any documented cases of iPhone malware infecting a phone coming from a text message link?

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

Here you go:
https://www.foxnews.com/tech/dangerous-android-malware-comes-to-the-iphone
Click on the link, get the malware. The link can come from a text, an e-mail, a web page- it doesn't matter. All links are treated the same by the phone.

I'll remind you again that phones are computers- that means someone will find a way to get around whatever security exists, no matter what operating system.

Yes of course it is theoretically possible as these are programmable devices. But the malware in that article was being installed using an enterprise distribution system, essentially a bypass of the normal App Store.

If one has not jailbroken the iPhone and sticks to apps from the App Store (which have been signed by Apple), I am not aware of any case of malware being installed by clicking a link on an iPhone.

Still no reason to be clicking on suspicious links. The App Store has its downsides (such as censorship by Apple and price effects) but one of its benefits is much better security.

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

There have been instances of malware inside the Apple store such as the xcodeghost- this used a version of the xcode compiler used to create programs for phones and computers using Apple's operating systems. Here's one that apparently made it through last year: https://www.theguardian.com/technol...le-to-hacking-tool-for-months-researchers-say

Thanks. The Kismet one is particularly intriguing. Very safe for the average user, but as you note, you can never achieve 100% security.