Researchers have found a security breach in the operating system of iPhones.

Researchers from ZecOps, an informatics security company, have discovered a breach, named NoReboot, that can allow computer software to use your camera and microphone while your cellphone is closed. It might be one of the biggest problems Apple has faced during its long reign. In fact, NoReboot can’t be deleted by Apple. 

Create an illusion

The main goal of NoReboot is to make you feel like your phone is closed while it isn’t. NoReboot will change the coding guideline to make you think that your phone is closed, so don’t try to shut it down or restart it, it won’t work.

Here is how it works:

 -The malware takes control and shows a text message like the ones that appear normally.

 -When the user releases the power button, the cell phone shuts down like normal, or you think it does. Only the screen, the notifications, the volume, the vibrations, and the indicator light of the camera shut down.

-The malware shows a fake shutdown message.

-During all of the time the phone is “shutdown”, the software can record and transfer everything it has recorded.

How to protect yourself against NoReboot

For now, NoReboot is only a demonstration of an attack but it is still very alarming. Remember that the software needs to have access to the cellphone to hack it. Here are some ways to protect yourself against it:

• Most of the time people install the malware by themselves without knowing it. Verify what you download and don’t install useless apps.
• It is easier to hack a phone in person so always remember to keep your phone with you and only share it with trusted people.
•  Let your phone run out of battery. It will force a full reset that will delete all viruses on your phone.