All iPads Are a Security Risk, Hacker Group Claims
A security group that obtained the email addresses of 114,000 iPad users from exclusive service provider AT&T is now claiming that all iPads are a security risk to their owners.
The statement comes after AT&T sent a letter to its iPad customers apologizing for the security breach last week caused by "hackers" acting "maliciously."
The group, called Goatse Security, defended itself in the new statement and blamed AT&T for messing up, though not in language that mild.
Goatse Security said that it easily exploited AT&T's security infrastructure in obtaining the email addresses of prominent iPad users, such as New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New York Times CEO Janet Robinson.
The group – responsibly in its opinion – contacted AT&T about the breach so the company could fix it, and only went public with the information days later by contacting the media outlet Gawker. Goatse Security said AT&T should have alerted its client base right away about the issue, rather than drag its feet.
"When we disclosed this, we did it as a service to our nation," wrote Escher Auernheimer of Goatse Security. "We love America and the idea of the Russians or Chinese being able to subvert American infrastructure is a nightmare."
In this statement, Goatse Security spoke of several other iPad vulnerabilities that skilled and unskilled hackers could target. For example, Aurnheimer said he made a hack for Apple's Safari browser back in March that has been fixed on Macs but not on the iPad. He said that AT&T has not adequately informed iPad users of this and other threats.
"The iPad simply is not a safe platform for those that require a secure environment," the group said.
In its letter, AT&T advised its customers that the email address issue raised by Goatse Security was resolved and that iPad owners should feel completely safe about using their tablet computers.
"AT&T acted quickly to protect your information – and we promise to keep working around the clock to keep your information safe," wrote Dorothy Attwood, AT&T's senior vice president and public policy and chief privacy officer.
As of this moment, AT&T has not responded to the rebuttal from Goatse Security.
