Security Hole in iPhone Gives Hackers Free Rein

Well, it was only a matter of time. A team of security consultants in Baltimore say they've found a pretty serious security hole in the iPhone—one that would let attackers take complete control of the handset.

According to the New York Times, the researchers discovered a flaw in the iPhone that would let hackers gain access through a Wi-Fi connection or via a Web site bearing malicious code. Once an iPhone is hacked, the attackers gain almost total access to text messages, contacts, e-mail...you name it. They could even make calls on the phone and run up your bill to ginormous proportions.

The security hole—the first of its kind to be discovered—hasn't been exploited by anyone yet, the Times reports. The research firm that found the flaw has contacted Apple with the relevant info, so hopefully Cupertino will take heed and release a security patch ASAP.

In the meantime, we've said it before and we'll say it again: beware of suspicious Wi-Fi access points, and don't click on URLs in junk mail (which may lead to hacker sites looking to take over your phone).

Related:
IPhone Flaw Lets Hackers Take Over, Security Firm Says [New York Times]