For Years, Apple’s Password Manager Had a Major Security Flaw

For Years, Apple’s Password Manager Had a Major Security Flaw

  • 19.03.2025 17:52
  • msn.com
  • Keywords: Security Flaw, Apple

Apple's Password app had a security flaw where it used unencrypted HTTP connections when changing passwords, risking phishing attacks. Security researchers at Mysk exposed this issue, which existed since iOS 14 in 2020. Apple fixed the problem with an update released in December 2024.

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The article discusses a security flaw in Apple's Password Manager feature, which was introduced in 2020. The flaw allowed for unencrypted HTTP connections when changing passwords, posing a significant risk of phishing attacks. Apple addressed this issue with an update released in December 2024.

Context

Analysis of Apple's Password Manager Security Flaw

Business Insights

  • Critical Security Flaw: Apple's "Passwords" app had a major security flaw since its introduction in 2020, affecting millions of users.
  • User Base: The flaw impacted 51 million users who rely on Apple's password management solution within the Apple ecosystem.

Market Implications

  • Reputation Risk: The vulnerability undermines Apple's reputation for robust privacy and security, potentially leading to loss of trust among users and businesses.
  • Financial Impact: While no direct financial figures are provided, the flaw could result in legal liabilities, regulatory scrutiny, or reputational damage costs.

Competitive Landscape

  • Competitor Advantage: Competitors like Google (Chrome) and Microsoft (Windows Hello) may leverage this issue to market their security features as superior.
  • User Switching: Security-conscious users might consider alternatives, impacting Apple's market share in password management tools.

Strategic Considerations

  • Patch Implementation: Apple addressed the flaw with an update in December 2024, but users must manually update their devices to benefit from the fix.
  • Security Enhancements: The company should prioritize enforcing HTTPS by default and provide options for advanced security settings, such as disabling icon downloads.

Long-Term Effects

  • Regulatory Impact: This incident may prompt stricter regulations on data security, forcing companies to adopt more robust encryption practices.
  • Industry Standards: The flaw highlights the need for continuous security audits and proactive updates in password management solutions across the tech industry.