If you have FaceTime enabled you can be evesdropped on without your consent.  A user simply calls you with FaceTime and before you answer they add themselves as a caller.  They can instantly hear your phone without you knowing or having the option to stop it.  If you attempt to it may transmit video. Simple solution though is to just go to Settings / FaceTime and disable it until the patch comes out later this week. Read about it here: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/28/apple-facetime-bug-lets-you-listen-even-if-someone-doesnt-answer.html Or basically anyplace on the net right now.    

Teams of software experts have discovered a bug in both Intel and AMD processors that can allow malicious code access to confidential information.  Some patches are currently available, but not all aspects are fixable at the moment.  This issue is serious and effects Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS and Linux as well as as mobile devices Apple iOS and Google ChromeBooks.  Basically anything with an Intel or AMD effected CPU. Keep up to date on your patches, Retire old Out of Service Operating systems.  Yes people are still using XP, 2003, etc. It’s time for them to go away finally.  No patches will come out for older OS making them just huge targets. Keep your OS and AV up to date or just ask us about RMM and WebRoot. Read more in the links below. https://www.pcworld.com/article/3245606/security/intel-x86-cpu-kernel-bug-faq-how-it-affects-pc-mac.html http://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/01/04/intel_amd_arm_cpu_vulnerability/  

Your (Fill in name of device here) is Not immune from attack.  Even the iPhone.  There are many vectors for attacking an iPhone.  One that uses WiFi (scary) was recently patched.  Update your iOS Device now.  The iPhone is still my phone of choice and is much less susceptible to attack than say Android.  But it like any other platform is still subject to attack.  So the saying “semper vigilans” is a good rule where technology is concerned.  Don’t trust unknown sources, networks, people, devices, cables, etc.   This means Don’t let people play with your phone, don’t give out your pin, don’t connect to that Free hotspot, don’t plug into some unknown charging cable/port and ALWAYS stay up to date on your patches.  If you don’t patch the holes that the experts work so hard to plug just become a bullseye for those looking for a weakness.  Each flaw gets published and when it’s not repaired it’s almost a road map of how to compromise your device. Here are a few articles to get you started. the Register: No one still things iOS is invulnerable to malware, right? CBSNews about the WiFi Exploit: If you use Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad, get this security update

A zero day hack has been used against a human rights activist.  In this case it was unsuccessful because rather than clicking on the link, he did what you should do, he forwarded it to security experts that uncovered the exploit. Read more about it on Network World here:  NetworkWorld iOS Zero Day Hack Found

I have Good News and Bad News on the FBI vs. Apple front.  The good news is the FBI managed to gain access to the phone without Apple’s help.  The Bad News?  That this now means that there is a hack out there that allows people to gain access to data on your encrypted phone without your approval.  Yes, you are now less secure.  Will the FBI publish this exploit now that it knows about it?  Doubtful.  While it might like to keep this trick to itself for future use, it is by not disclosing this making ALL iPhone users less secure.  How hard would it be for a foreign government to do the same thing?  Hackers?  Read more below on the Register.

It’s all over! Egg and FBI faces in perfect alignment

Source: US govt says it has cracked killer’s iPhone, legs it from Apple fight

Intelligent Designs supports Apple’s decision not to comply in this case and we are strongly against anything that threatens your digital security in any way.  Back doors, Master keys or other such holes make us ALL less secure.  Once in existence they WILL be abused.  No company would be forced to with one action make ALL of it’s clients information less secure.  The government has shown poor judgement in the past by allowing security flaws it was aware of to make you less secure because it was taking advantage of these same flaws for years.  While it knew about it, malicious users were able to gain access to your sensitive information.  Don’t let this type of thing happen.  Support Apple’s Decision to keep your data safe.  Read their Customer Letter below.

A Message to Our Customers

Source: Customer Letter – Apple

Finally!  A feature you probably didn’t know you wanted.  If you want this you may have to call AT&T to get it activated on your phone.  Some accounts have HD Voice turned off.  Mine did.  You might have to argue with your AT&T tech a bit about the service being available as it just came out today 10-08-2015 according to my AT&T service tech.    Read more on TechCrunch.com below.

After being promised Wi-Fi calling for over a year by Apple and AT&T…it’s finally here. It’s available for iPhone 6, 6+ and 6S and 6S+ AT&T customers with iOS 9. You’ll have to go…

Source: Wi-Fi Calling Finally Comes To The iPhone For AT&T Customers | TechCrunch