A rumor circulating on TikTok claims that hackers can steal credit card information through the iPhone 's AirDrop feature .
Popular videos, like those by @vanessaromito13 and @the_journey76, claim that by simply walking near you with an iPhone, hackers can gain access to the cards you have stored in Apple Wallet. However, these claims are completely unfounded. Why?
Read also: AirDrop: China managed to decode it
First, there is no update in iOS 18.2 that allows for this kind of access. The rumor seems to stem from previous misconceptions about the NameDrop feature, which makes it easier to exchange contact information between nearby iPhones.
However, NameDrop requires the explicit consent of both users to work. More importantly, AirDrop has no ability to interact with Apple Wallet. Wallet data is encrypted and does not include full credit card numbers, thus offering a high level of security.
Additionally, there is no “search with other iPhones” feature that needs to be disabled, as is commonly reported. Even if AirDrop is set to “Everyone,” user consent is required to accept any file. Therefore, the possibility of data theft via AirDrop is non-existent.
See also: WhatsApp: Testing new file transfer feature, similar to Apple's AirDrop
But can hackers intercept Apple Pay transactions using tap-to-pay? The answer is a resounding no. The AirDrop rumor is unfounded, and hackers can't gain access to payment data just by walking near you. However, there are two known, albeit rare, fraud scenarios related to Apple Pay.
The first scenario concerns overcharges from dishonest sellers. If you authorize a transaction with FaceID, TouchID, or PIN without checking the terminal screen, the seller may charge you a higher amount than agreed. To avoid such incidents, always check the amount before completing the payment.
The second scenario involves intercepting transactions via NFC terminals in crowded places, such as festivals. Here, the hacker would have to be very close to you, of course. However, even in these cases, the data transmitted is encrypted, offering an additional layer of protection.
Read more: Google Quick Share: Will it get a drag-and-drop update?
So, don't let unfounded rumors worry you. Enjoy the convenience and security of modern payment methods, such as tap-to-pay, while always keeping your attention on your transactions.
Source: lifehacker
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