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

Do you feel safer now that the government can hack into your iPhone?  You shouldn’t.  1 reason is that it did not invent this hack. It was discovered by an outside company.  It is believed that it is from an Israeli firm, so not even US based.  Will the government disclose this method to Apple or the people effected by it?  Very Doubtful.  This is like having a combination lock on your front door that an unknown number of people have the code too.  Now do you feel safe?  Read more on dailydot.com below.

‘We are in this together,’ said the FBI’s letter to local cops.

Source: FBI offers its new iPhone hack to local law enforcement agencies

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

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

This has some inaccuracies I think.  You can use Siri hands free whenever plugged in.  Just say “Hey Siri”.  It’s one of my favorite features.  It also has the slide to delete notifications.  Dictation now does show the words as you speak as well.  I would definitely like more options or widgets. What do you think? iPhone vs. Android: Which is better? – CNNMoney.

Microsoft makes Smart moves on eliminating Lync in favor of Skype (forBusiness) and promises long awaited integration with outlook. Read more on Network World below: Say goodbye to Microsoft Lync, hello to Skype for Business | Network World.

 

Apple recalls iPhone 5s for battery woes – Aug. 25, 2014.

  This falls under the “I want one!” category.  If they ever actually get made.  We may see something similar from several manufacturers in the near future as OLED displays become more common.  This Apple one is of curved glass, but a flexible one is just as possible with todays technology.   Apple experimenting with wristwatch-like devices made of curved glass.  

This App Basically tells you what other apps for iOS can do, from Read your contacts to report your Location.  This doesn’t mean they do that, but that they can.  Check it out below.

Clueful – Privacy Monitoring App for iPhone.