Is Apple Pay Safe? Not As Safe as You Think
Summary: This article discusses security concerns regarding Apple Pay, including the safe use of endpoint devices, network security, computer repairs and computer maintenance.
Hackers Find a Way
The increase in remote work done on wireless devices has provided hackers with a vast target landscape to attack. Cybercriminals prey upon vulnerabilities and attempt to breach data every day. Gaining access to users’ networks, data and funds is their job, and they thrive on exploiting IT loopholes in devices to achieve their nefarious goals.
Q: How secure is Apple Pay’s tokenization and encryption?
A: Apple Pay uses robust security mechanisms like tokenization, encryption, and the Secure Enclave to protect payments. Instead of exposing your actual card number, it uses a device-specific token and one-time dynamic security codes for each transaction. These safeguards mean that even if a terminal or merchant is compromised, your real card details remain secret and unusable elsewhere
Apple Pay Security
Payment apps are one of the many ways wireless users use mobile platforms, including Apple Pay. Such services are convenient and generally safe, but there are several risks, some of which apply to Apple Pay:
- Cyber Security Threats – Although Apple Pay is generally secure, it’s not a good option for people who “jailbreak” their iPhone, which is done by installing software that allows you to bypass factory-set restrictions that prevent breaking into the phone’s file system. If your phone is jailbroken, it’s immediately more vulnerable to cyberattacks because built-in restrictions have been removed, which allows third parties to alter the phone’s operating system
- Unsecured Public WiFi – Public WiFi is a hacker’s dream come true. Although an Apple Pay contactless transaction does not require WiFi, iPhones constantly scan for available WiFi connections. As a result, using Apple Pay can inadvertently allow cybercriminals to intercept your transaction (especially a small one) and duplicate it without authorization
- Apple Collects Personal Data – To use Apple Pay, Apple must collect personal data, including identifying credentials and banking information. Therefore, if you are hacked while using Apple Pay, you increase the chances of a data breach
- Card “Clashes” – Although rare, card clashes occur when two payment methods accidentally come into conflict at the time of payment, in a sense, competing for the transaction. Such a clash can result in duplicate payments
- Unauthorized Bypass of Contactless Payment Limits – When Express Transit mode is enabled on an iPhone, cyber thieves can override the contactless limits on small transactions and duplicate the transactional data many times. On smaller transactions, minimal authorization is required, making the hack easier. If you use Apple Pay, it is wise to monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions
Q: Does malware or jailbreaking defeat Apple Pay protection?
A: Apple Pay is secure on stock iOS devices, but jailbroken phones are significantly more vulnerable. Malware on such phones could intercept sensitive data or sessions. Further, adding cards or conducting transactions over public or unsecured WiFi increases the risk of data interception or spoofing.
Is Apple Pay Safe if I Lost My iPhone?
The good news is that Apple Pay cannot authorize any transactions without using your passcode, Face ID or Touch ID. If you lose your iPhone, you can either use the Find My Phone app or go to iCloud.com/find to disable or permanently remove Apple Pay from the lost device. Once your device is marked “lost.” It will be locked, keeping all your data safe. If a thief has access to your login credentials, your data is not safe and credit cards should be cancelled immediately.
Q: Can fraudsters exploit Apple Pay through stolen card data?
A: Yes, attackers are increasingly adding stolen card details into Apple Pay wallets, bypassing physical card use. This practice, fueled by phishing and OTP scams, enables contactless fraud that's hard to detect because of its digital nature.
What Are Common Safety Tips for Using Apple Pay?
- Apple Pay is fundamentally secure thanks to tokenization, biometrics and encryption techniques
- However, it’s not invulnerable. Be cautious with jailbroken devices, public WiFi and unsecured accessories
- Always use strong passcodes, enable Face ID/Touch ID and activate Find My to remotely lock or erase the device if stolen
- Regularly monitor linked card activity, especially after adding new cards. Fraud can occur even without your card being physically compromised
- Treat unknown payment requests or prompts with suspicion. Phishing attacks to hijack accounts or wallets remain a key threat
Staying vigilant can greatly reduce the relatively low but real risk of Apple Pay fraud.
Q: What are the risks if a thief steals your iPhone or Watch?
A: If your unlocked device is stolen, a thief might bypass biometric locks (e.g. with a lifted fingerprint) or exploit session credentials. There have been real-world incidents where thieves gained control of victims’ Apple Pay and banking apps, especially when biometric or passcode locks were bypassed.
Convenience Comes at a Cost
Technology continues to provide faster and more convenient ways to do things. However, many conveniences come at a cost. Individual users and small and midsized businesses (SMBs) should weigh the risks vs. the benefits. Professional IT experts can help you make informed decisions about the best and safest ways to use all your devices.
Contact your local IT service to assess mobile device network security for your business. Any device accessing your business network can pose a threat to data security. Configuring device security properly will help your business protect valuable employee and client data.