logo
  • Home
  • About Ben Stevens
  • Presentations/Publications
  • Contact Ben

Category Archives: iPhone

Is Siri Inviting Hackers into Your iPhone?

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Ben Stevens Posted in iPhone, Security, Siri, Technology
Share

The following Guest Post was submitted by one of my readers, Robert Widner, a family law attorney in Dallas, Texas:

siri inviting hackers?Siri makes a fantastic personal assistant. She can help you navigate your phone, manage your calendar, answer your questions, and can even tell a great bedtime story if you ask her nicely. She’s become so helpful, hackers now say she’ll roll out the welcome mat for anyone under the right circumstances. The Network and Information Security Agency (ANSSI) from France uncovered this nasty little glitch, and they’ve proven that Siri will respond to silent commands from anyone within a 16-foot radius.

Hackers Can Send Siri Messages via Electromagnetic Waves

It requires a bit of finesse to pull the trick off, but researchers (aka professional hackers working for the French government), have discovered a way to silently talk to iOS and Android digital assistants. It turns out that headphones with an integrated microphone work as an antenna can pull in electromagnetic waves, which are then converted into electrical signals that the digital assistant recognizes as sound. Quite simply, standard Apple earbuds plugged into your iPhone, are all a hacker needs to send silent voice commands to your phone.

Once Inside, Hackers Can Do Just About Anything

In all fairness, it’s easy to see the hackers in action, just by watching your screen. However, many of us stash our phones in briefcases during meetings, or place the device upside down on a table during a discussion. In a public place, such as a restaurant, or even a courtroom, hackers can easily search for available mobile devices to connect with. Dozens of people in any given space could be vulnerable to attack. Hackers can gain access to contact lists, send texts, make calls, compose emails, or even open up websites with malicious codes and viruses. Realistically, anything that can be done using the digital assistant can be done by hackers, in total silence, from as much as 16 feet away.

The Equipment Needed Can Be Discreetly Hidden

Last summer, the research was presented at the Hack in Paris conference, though it received almost no press. Very little equipment is needed for hackers to pull the trick off, and it can be discreetly concealed. This makes it difficult to tell who the culprit is, even if you detect that your phone is being hacked while someone is actively accessing it just a few feet away. A laptop with GNU Radio, an open-source software, and a USRP software-defined radio, combined with an antenna and amplifier, are all that’s needed to access someone’s phone. If the hackers can get within 16 feet of you, the equipment can fit inside a backpack. However, researchers have noted that the distance can be much greater with an equipment upgrade. Though it would be more difficult to obscure, it’s plausible that hackers could sit in a vehicle outside a restaurant or other venue, prying into the phones of diners.

Apple has Been Notified, But there’s No Fix Yet

Researchers notified Apple and Google, and also gave the companies suggestions on ways to correct defect. They recommended better shielding within headphones, or perhaps software upgrades with the option for people to create customized code words to wake digital assistants. Voice recognition could also thwart would-be hackers. While the obvious temporary fix seems to be to turn off the digital assistant when not in use, researchers noted that many headphones have a button that turns the service back on. This, too, could be easily manipulated with electrical pulses. Until the companies respond with a real repair, the only way to protect phones and their data is to remove the headphones from the jack when they’re not being used.

It was only a few weeks ago that another Siri exploit was detected. Anyone could access the contacts and photos on an Apple device by waking Siri up after a few incorrect passcode attempts, using the clock app, and sharing. From the messaging app, the contacts could be searched, or a photo could be shared, allowing anyone free access to view all the stored photos in less than 30 seconds. When Apple heard about this, they corrected it right away, so iPhones, iPods, and iPads running iOS 9.0.1 are safe. However, the number of vulnerabilities being seen in digital assistants is cause for concern. For now, the safest thing might be to go sans headphones, and turn these helpful assistants off, to stop them from being helpful to hackers.

About the Author:  Robert Widner is a family law attorney based out of Dallas Texas with over 16 years experience.

How to Spot a Fake iPhone

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Ben Stevens Posted in How Do I ...?, iPhone, Security 3 Comments
Share

how to spot a fake iphoneDid you know that fake iPhones are a growing problem? 40,000 counterfeit iPhones were recently seized in China, and people have been caught selling them in Maryland and California. Counterfeit consumer electronics were the second-most-seized commodity in 2013 and 2014, with an estimated retail price of approximately $150 million – and those are just the ones that were caught!

Do you know how to spot a fake iPhone? It’s not as easy as you might think, and to make it worse they come in two varieties: Frankenphones, which contain real Apple parts and run iOS but were assembled from smuggled or recycled phones, and Android phones that are disguised and passed off as iPhones. The following tips may help you detect the fakes and protect yourself and your wallet:

  • Frankenphones may look legit, but their software will probably seem sluggish, because their motherboards are from older models;
  • The IMEI numbers on Frankenphones probably won’t match. The number engraved in tiny print just under the logo on the back of an iPhone 6 should always match the one found at Settings > General > About.
  • To detect an Android in disguise, try to invoke Siri by pressing the Home button. If she doesn’t answer, you’ve got a problem.
  • You can also look at the icons to help determine if it’s an Android. For instance, if a Google Play app is visible or if the App Store doesn’t go to Apple’s App Store, it’s not an iPhone.
  • You can also detect an Android by copying the serial number in Settings (just above the IMEI described above) and pasting it in Apple’s online warranty checker. Unless the information matches, you’ve got a problem.

The article linked below contains some additional warning signs, and you should check it out before you decide to make a purchase. When all else fails, remember the old adage that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Source: “Too Good to Be True: How to Spot a Fake iPhone” by Wayne Rash, published at Yahoo Tech.

How to Easily Set Up iPhone 6

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Ben Stevens Posted in How Do I ...?, iOS, iPhone, Security 1 Comment
Share

iPhone 6Both The Mac Lawyer and Mrs. Mac Lawyer got new iPhones within the last few weeks. If you have gotten a new one too, you should consider the following steps from Macworld.com to easily set up iPhone 6:

  1. Back up your old phone. Plug your old iPhone into your computer; go to iTunes; select your iPhone; under Backups, choose This Computer; and click “back up now”. Pro Tip: If you select “encrypt local backup”, your account passwords are stored so that you won’t have to enter them all again – and you also get maximum privacy protection too. 
  2. Restore from backup. Plug your new iPhone into your computer, navigate to iTunes, and then restore form the backup you just created. 
  3. Finish the setup. Enter your iCloud account password, enter a second security code if you’re using two-factor authentication (and you should be), agree to the iCloud terms and conditions, and designate how people can reach you over iMessage and Face Time. 
  4. Set up your Touch ID. Simply follow the instructions on your iPhone, which will involve you repeatedly touching the home button’s fingerprint sensor with your thumb so that it can learn your fingerprint. You will probably want to add your other thumb at Settings > Passcode for added ease of use. 
  5. Pick a size with Display Zoom. You can choose between standard view and zoomed view. The latter simply enlarges everything, which I can tell you is much easier on older eyes.
  6. Peruse the settings. Check out the new options and the ones that were brought over from your old iPhone.
  7. Update your apps. Go to the App Store app and update all of your apps. You can easily have all your apps auto-update by going to Settings > iTunes & App Stores > Automatic Downloads. 
  8. Install some widgets. Simply pull down from the top of your screen to show your Notification Center, scroll to the bottom, tap Edit, and then choose which apps’ widgets you want to include. You can select from upcoming appointments, package-tracking, Kindle status, and many others.
  9. Open the Tips app. This new app provides helpful tips about using your new iPhone, delivered in handy, bite-sized chunks.
  10. Set up Apple Pay. Load your credit or debit card and speed up your checkouts. Remember, this does not expose your real credit card info to the stores, so you don’t have to worry about getting a new card if/when that store gets hacked.

The above steps are just an overview, and you can read Macworld’s fully comprehensive setup guide to get step-by-step assistance.

Source: “Got an iPhone 6? Do These 10 Things First” by Susie Ochs, published at Macworld.com

Free iOS Security Webinar

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Ben Stevens Posted in iOS, iPad, iPhone, Security 1 Comment
Share

ios securityMore lawyers are managing their practice and accessing client data on the go on their iOS devices. Unfortunately, very few small law firms have the proper measures in place to protect their confidential client data. If needed, could you convince a Board of Ethics that you had done your due diligence to protect your client’s data?

There’s a lot more to mobile security than enabling the password on your iPhone or iPad. Strong iOS security starts with becoming familiar with the most common threats to compromising firm data on your iPhone or iPad. While many assume they are not at risk since they are not a ‘big’ law firm, the opposite is true.

Join legal technology expert Tom Lambotte (CEO of GlobalMac IT and author of “Hassle Free Mac IT Support for Law Firms”) on Thursday, November 20, 2014, from 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Eastern) for “Securing Your iPhone and iPad: Don’t Put Your Client’s Data at Risk”. In this free webinar sponsored by Rocket Matter, Tom will discuss real world scenarios that put your client’s data at risk, as well as actionable steps you can take to secure your mobile device and keep your client’s data and other information safe.

Click here to learn more or register for this free webinar. Trust me, it will be well worth your time.

iPhone – Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Ben Stevens Posted in iPhone
Share

What will Apple unveil next week about the iPhone 6? Expectations are at an all time high, and people have already begun lining up to purchase the yet-to-be unannounced product(s). The infographic below takes a look back at the iPhone’s innovation over the last seven years and also predicts what might be included in the new release. Enjoy…

 

iphone model comparison

 

Review of Snugg’s Ultra Thin Clear iPhone Case

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Ben Stevens Posted in iPhone, Product Reviews
Share

Sungg Ultra Thin Clear CaseThose that know me well know that I prefer to keep my iPhone in its natural (naked) state, i.e. without a case. Yes, I often get startled looks when I take it out, as I realize that most people today keep their smartphones in any number of the numerous cases du jour.

I prefer to keep my iPhone case-less for two reasons. First, I don’t like bulk, and I don’t want anything to come between me and my phone. Most of the cases that I have tried feel more like a barrier than anything else, and I have found the iPhone to be so well built that it really doesn’t “need” a case (assuming I take reasonable care of it). The other reason is that I simply haven’t found a case I like well enough to make me want to keep using it.

Snugg sent me a review copy of their Ultra Thin Clear Case for the iPhone 5S, and I tried it for a few weeks. True to its name, it is very thin and provided easy access to the buttons on the phone, and it was very easy to put on and take off. It’s made of polycarbonate, so I would categorize it as providing moderate protection to the phone. As you can see in the photo above, it is fairly easy to scratch, and the scratches are easily visible on this cover.

This cover is available in 12 different colors, from orange to pink to white to black to clear, and it’s a bargain at $14.99, with a lifetime guarantee. If you’re looking for a thin case, this is certainly one to check out. While I liked this case, it wasn’t enough to convert me and my iPhone is back in its natural state. If you’ve used this case before, I welcome your comments and thoughts below.

What if You Could Charge an iPhone in 30 Seconds?

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Ben Stevens Posted in iPhone, Technology
Share

iphone chargeHow great would it be to be able to fully charge an iPhone in only 30 seconds? Yes, I said 30 seconds, not 30 minutes. A tech startup called StoreDot (who has already raised $6.25 million to date) is hoping to make this dream a reality, as it claims to have created a battery pack that can fully charge an uncharged phone in just 30 seconds.

So how is this magic possible? StoreDot claims that microscopic magnets called “nanodots” make this game-changing technology possible. Nanodots are described as “bio-organic peptide molecules” that are only 2 nanometers in size. Unfortunately, it appears that mass production won’t begin until 2016 as it must figure out how to shrink the technology to fit in existing smartphone designs and how to decrease the cost. You can learn more about this exciting new technology here.

Source: “This Device Can Charge Your Phone In 30. Freaking. Seconds.” by Carina Kolodny, published at The Huffington Post.

Visual Notes: iGadgets and iGear for the iLawyer

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Ben Stevens Posted in iOS, iPad, iPhone, Presentations
Share

If you weren’t able to make it to Chicago last week for ABA TECHSHOW, you can get some idea of what Jeff Richardson and I discussed during our “iGadgets and iGear for the iLawyer” session via the visual notes graphic that was created by Stephanie Crowley of The Chrysalis Solution (courtesy of the folks at MyCase):

iGadgetsForTheLawyer

3 Reasons Siri Is the Best On-The-Go Assistant

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Jenny Stevens Posted in Did You Know?, iOS, iPad, iPhone, Siri
Share

SiriAdmit it, we all love Siri. Whether or not we’re using her to her fullest potential, we love having her on stand-by for a good laugh (just tell Siri “I love you” or “Why did the chicken cross the road?”) or for a confidence boost (tell Siri “thank you” and wait for her response), at the very least.

One of my favorite ways to use Siri, by far, is as my on-the-go assistant when I’m stuck in the car alone driving long distances. Putting Siri to work while I need both hands on the wheel is Productivity 101. Here are three ways she helps me stay ahead of the game:

  • Voicemail – In this day and age, I don’t get nearly the amount of voicemail I used to. The shear dominance of email and texting has rendered the standard voice message somewhat obsolete – at least in my life. However, despite the fact that I don’t get much of it, I typically like to return these calls when I’m driving between other appointments during my day. Siri makes that so simple. Ask Siri, “Do I have new voicemail?” or “Play my last voicemail.”  When finished playing the message, she will ask “Would you like to call back or play the message again?” Simply tell her to call  back and check one more thing off that “to do” list.
  • Scheduling – This is certainly one of Siri’s finer abilities – keeping up with a constantly changing schedule. Half the time, I have no idea what’s on my plate for the day, so on the way into work, I just ask: “Siri, what does my day look like today?” She gives me a run down of my scheduled appointments already on my calendar. When I’m notified of a meeting I can simply tell Siri: “Set up appointment with Dr. Smith at 10:00 AM on Friday.” or “Schedule a meeting about our taxes at 4:00 PM today.” And, presto, Siri adds those items to my calendar.  Maybe the best thing, especially for this mom of 6 kids with very fluid schedules, is that Siri can expertly handle any change that may come up with only minimal direction from you. Doctor appointment cancelled? Say, “Cancel my 10:00 AM appointment on Friday.” Done. Lacrosse practice moved from Monday to Tuesday? Simply say, “Move Lacrosse practice from Monday to Tuesday.” Done. If any of the new appointments conflict with your calendar, Siri is also smart enough to catch those too and will alert you, confirming no other changes are necessary.
  • Finding Food – Anyone who knows us, knows my husband (@TheMacLawyer) and I are foodies. But not only are we foodies, we also love to travel, so when we’re in a new city (or even just a big city with lots of variety), we don’t always know the best places to go. Siri to the rescue! Tell her “Make me dinner reservations for two tonight at 8:00 PM.” That’s it. Siri will scour the nearby locations for restaurants that have that availability and serve up a list of possible options organized by their ratings on Yelp. Simply scroll through to find one to your liking and you’re set.

Tips to Make Your iPhone Run Faster

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Ben Stevens Posted in Apps, iOS, iPhone
Share

iphone speedRegardless of what iOS you use, you should consider the following tips to make your iPhone run faster:

  • Get rid of things you don’t need. Look to see what you’re using (Settings > General > Usage) and consider removing clutter that you don’t use.
  • Clear your browser’s cache. Improve performance by clearing your iPhone’s browser’s history, cookies and other data (Settings > Safari (or other browser) > Clear History > Clear Cookies and Data.
  • Delete old text messages. Heavy SMS users can free up some space by deleting old conversations that are no longer needed. Open a chat, tap and hold on a sent message until “More…” appears, choose the messages you want to delete or tap “Delete all.”
  • Turn off auto app updates. If speed and performance are your top priorities, this might be a good idea. Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Push all of the buttons to the left to turn off automatic downloads.
  • Turn off location services. This tip will improve speed, increase battery life, and provide privacy. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > turn off for apps that don’t need to know where you are.
Source: “5 Awesome Tricks That Will Make Your iPhone Run Much Smoother” by Zach Epstein, published at Yahoo! News.

Published By

Ben Stevens
  • SC Family Law Blog
  • Subscribe To This Blog
  • Join MILO Group
  • Subscribe To Podcast

Subscribe by Email


Blog Archives

Topics

  • Apps
  • Articles
  • Chrome
  • Did You Know?
  • eDiscovery
  • Guest Posts
  • Hardware
  • How Do I …?
  • iOS
  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS X
  • Mac vs. PC
  • Miscellaneous
  • Office Management
  • Office Resources
  • Offline Resources
  • Online Resources
  • Other
  • Other Operating Systems
  • Podcasts
  • Presentations
  • Product Reviews
  • Security
  • Siri
  • Social Media
  • Software
  • Special Offers
  • Switching to Macs
  • Technology
  • This Blog

Recent Updates

  • Learn How to Protect Your Firm from a Security Breach
  • Free Webinar – The 7 Cybersecurity Threats That Could Endanger Your Law Firm In 2021 …And How To Prevent Them
  • Free Webinar: Expert Tips for Mac-Loving Lawyers

Other Resources

  • 9 to 5 Mac | Apple Intelligence
  • a mac lawyer's notebook
  • A Technology Resource for Legal Professionals
  • Acrobat for Legal Professionals
  • Apple Briefs
  • AppleInsider | Apple Insider News and Analysis
  • Criminal Defense Law with an Apple
  • DennisKennedy.com
  • Digital Practice of Law
  • Evan Schaeffer's Legal Underground
  • Futurelawyer
  • Hawk Wings
  • iPhone J.D.
  • Justia Blawg Search
  • LawTech Guru Blog
  • Lawyerist
  • Legal Practice Pro
  • Legal Resource #1
  • Lifehacker, tips and downloads for getting things done
  • Mac Law Students
  • Mac Rumors: Apple Mac Rumors and News You Care About
  • Mac360 – Mac Reviews, Commentary, & Forums
  • Macenstein
  • MacLaw
  • MacLitigator
  • macosxhints.com – OS X tips and tricks!
  • MacSparky
  • My First Mac – Help Buying and Getting Started with Your New Mac
  • PDF for Lawyers
  • Randy Singer's Macintosh Attorney
  • Robert Ambrogi's LawSites
  • Ross Ipsa Loquitur Blog
  • Scripting for Lawyers
  • South Carolina Bar's Macintosh Resources
  • South Carolina Trial Law Blog
  • Switch To A Mac
  • TechnoEsq
  • The Practice
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 9
  • Next

The Mac Lawyer

Ben Stevens | 349 East Main Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29302 | P: (864) 598-9172 | F: (864) 598-9264 | info@scfamilylaw.com
Home | About Ben Stevens | Presentations/Publications | Contact Ben
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
Copyright © 2013, The Mac Lawyer. All Rights Reserved
Cleantalk Pixel