Apple customers using the latest iOS and macOS software can rest a little bit easier about KRACK Wi-Fi attacks.
The internet is losing its mind today in light of news that a serious Wi-Fi vulnerability was recently discovered. But Apple says it already created a fix for most of its platforms.
Researchers discovered a flaw in the WPA2 protocol that exposed information like passwords and credit card details. Tech companies were given an advanced warning about the flaw in July before information was made public. It appears that Apple hit the ground running on creating a fix.
KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability patched in Apple betas
According to a report from AppleInsider citing anonymous sources at Apple, the patch to remove the hardware vulnerability was added to previous beta versions of iOS, tvOS, watchOS and macOS.
However, the site’s source noted that fixes for AirPort, Time Machine, AirPort Extreme Base Station and the AirPort Express have not been made available yet.
Not coming out with a patch for its routers may not be a huge issue for Apple. In order to work, the KRACK Wi-Fi hack needs to take advantage of a vulnerable router and client device. If your iPhone, iPad or Mac is already patched, it doesn’t matter if your AirPort router is vulnerable.
Security researchers who discovered the hack recommend updating all your devices to the latest firmware ASAP.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
3 responses to “Apple says it already fixed KRACK Wi-Fi hack on iOS and macOS”
Please correct the headline. Apple didn’t confirm anything, it was anonymous sources who don’t speak for Apple that gave AppleInsider the info.
Too bad Everyone else get fragmented updates and some may never get a fix at all..
Its the clients themselves that are vulnerable, not routers. so Patching your router will have no affect unless you use your router as a client. So If your ios, android, or windows device is not patched, it will be vulnerable.
As far as I can tell, The only public statement apple has made is that the issue is patched in iOS 11.1 Beta which should be released in the coming weeks. So currently iOS public versions are still vulnerable.
Thankfully Windows is patched. My iPhone’s Wifi will remain completely off until 11.1 is installed. My Roku will remain unplugged until patched.