7-year-old Hacks Apple Touch

7-year-old Hacks Apple Touch

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Dec 03, 2014

As soon as a new model of smartphone hits the market, criminals have already or are figuring out how to hack it. The same holds true for Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint identification system, only this system wasn’t hacked by a notorious cybercriminal or thief. Nope! It was hacked by a 7-year-old boy! And, it was done without knowing any code!

As Matthew Green, a professor who teaches computer security and cryptology at at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), slept soundly, his 7-year-old son, Harrison, snuck into his dad's room, grabbed his dad’s hand and pressed his finger against the Touch ID scanner on his iPhone6. Yep, that was all it took for this youngster to gain access to his dad’s iPhone!

“This is a really serious problem,” said Professor Green. “In a situation where you’re under arrest, biometrics is not very good.”

Of course, little Harrison didn’t want to exploit his dad or compromise any of his critical information. This “hack” was all about playing Minecraft and Angry Birds.

(Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.