Is Apple Pay Safe? Not As Safe As You Think

Summary: This 3-minute article discusses security concerns related to using Apple pay. The safe use of endpoint devices, network security, computer repairs and maintenance are more complex than ever. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geek-aid.com/ for IT consulting services, remote and onsite repairs and maintenance.

Hackers Find a Way

The pandemic resulted in an unprecedented increase in remote access work. Unfortunately, using more and more remote, wireless endpoint devices afforded hackers a vast target landscape to attack. Cybercriminals prey upon vulnerabilities and attempt to breach data every day. Unauthorized access to users’ networks, data and funds is their job and they thrive on exploiting IT loopholes in devices to achieve their nefarious goals.

Apple Pay Security

There are several risks relating to the use of Apple Pay:

• Potential Cyber Security Threats – Although Apple Pay is generally secure, if the user chooses to “jailbreak” their iPhone, it presents an opportunity for a cyber attack. Jailbreaking is the act of installing software on your computer that allows you to bypass factory-set restrictions to break into the phone’s file system. If your phone is jailbroken, your phone is immediately more vulnerable to cyberattacks because built-in factory restrictions have been removed. Removing such restrictions 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 such as 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 can occur whereby two payment methods are accidentally in conflict at the time of payment, in a sense, competing for the transaction. Such a clash can result in duplicate payments.
• Possible Unauthorized Bypassing 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.

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. So, when 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.

Convenience Comes at a Cost

Technology continues to provide faster and more convenient ways to do things. If it were not for the rapid growth in the world of IT, surviving the pandemic would’ve been even harder. However, many good things come at a cost. Individual users and 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.

IT Consulting Services

Nothing is more important than protecting your personal or SMB’s private data. Device and network security are too vital to leave to chance. Also, time is always money and IT professionals can help you make informed and cost-conscious decisions about network setup, cyber protection, endpoint protection, computer repairs and how best to protect and maintain the integrity of your entire system. They can also ensure your system has strong network security from the start. In addition, when your system goes down, they can help you get back up and running fast. Finally, continuous remote and onsite IT support will help maintain your system and keep it running safely and efficiently.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized computer network installation, repairs, integration, upgrades, and maintenance for small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®'s team of IT experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients onsite and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions from “Why is my system running slower than usual?” to “Is someone stealing my WiFi?” More importantly, when your network goes down, they will perform onsite computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. Your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow as you and your business grows, expands its network, and adds more smart controls, smart devices, wireless access, and remote access. IT support is not just for emergencies. In addition to integrating your system operations and maintaining hardware, software and security, employee training must also be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are inter-related concerns. They must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your personal or company system, minimizing costly and time-consuming IT-related mistakes.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss how they can design, integrate, secure, maintain and repair your personal and SMB computer networks.