Just how serious was the iPhone hack?

The iPhone and Apple Inc.'s desktop computers may be vulnerable to hackers due to a flaw in their Web browser, according to a security firm that said it found a way to hack into the iPhone.

Baltimore-based Independent Security Evaluators said yesterday employees took control of iPhones through a Wi-Fi link, or by tricking users into going to a website.

Principal security analyst Charles Miller said the security weakness allows someone to take control of Apple's Safari Web browser and see other applications on the device at the same time, which could also make users of Macintosh desktop computers vulnerable to attacks.

The security consultants said they were able to take control of an iPhone and make calls or send text messages, as well as access emails, voice-mail, address books and call and Web-browsing history. Miller said Apple has been given a possible security patch.

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/239470