DFU mode on the iPhone permanently prevents eavesdropping on its owner's conversations – which can happen even when they think they have turned off their device!
Once again, Edward Snowden, the former US intelligence agent, has made revelations about the surveillance capabilities of services such as the NSA. Snowden revealed on a show on the American network NBC that it is possible to trap iPhones, which are known to be owned by tens of millions of people around the world. With this trap, someone can eavesdrop on what the owner of the device is discussing, even when the device is turned off! After the revelation, experts rushed to suggest a way to prevent this trapping of iPhones.
The implant
The trapping that Snowden referred to is done with a technique known in the world of wiretapping as an “implant.” The implant that Snowden refers to works in such a way that the owner of the trapped device thinks that it is deactivated while in fact it is in (stealth) mode and accepts commands such as, for example, activating the microphone. Thus, the eavesdropper can listen to everything the owner of the device is discussing.
The implant is in the form of software and can be placed on a device either by gaining direct access to it to place it or remotely, if the device is connected to the internet or through the frequency system on which the device operates. The implant can also be a component for the placement of which direct access to the mobile phone in question is naturally required.
How will you protect yourself?
As was understandable, Snowden's revelation, in addition to discussions, also caused a lot of confusion among iPhone owners. Thus, some experts in the field of mobile phones were initially quick to confirm the former agent, stating that this security gap does indeed exist in iPhones, but at the same time providing a solution. They even showed a way in which the operation of the implant is prevented.
The iPhone owner must first connect the device to a power outlet or USB port. Then, they must hold down the power button of the device. After three seconds, while holding down the power button, press the home button of the device. Hold both buttons down for ten seconds. First, release the power button while continuing to hold the home button for about 15 seconds. The DFU mode will be activated, the conventional use of which is related to upgrading the device's software but, according to experts, it also blocks specific implants.
Source: secnews.gr
