Previous All Posts Next

Apple iOS 13.4 VPN Bypass Bug Threatens Remote Workers

Posted: March 27, 2020 to News.

Tags: Work from Home, Cloud Security, Data Breach

Private data is prone to exposure by an as-yet patched bug in Apple's most recent iOS 13.4, due to a VPN bypass issue that fails to terminate all connections, thus leaving behind traces of data that are, nonetheless, unprotected. But as Apple works on the patch, researchers recommend users take the following steps to decrease their vulnerability, especially considering the high number of employees vulnerable due to working from home during the global Coronavirus pandemic:
  • Enable Always-on VPN to mitigate the issue.  This method can be easily completed using device management.
  • Help the VPN reconnection along by:
    • Connecting to a third-party VPN
    • Turning on airplane mode to kill all Internet connections and temporarily disconnect the VPN
    • Turn airplane mode off again.
While these actions will not 100% protect your device, enacting them will significantly reduce the likelihood of exploitation.  It's also important to note that, the announcement of this vulnerability was fast-tracked due to the increased threat facing the globe as more workers are working remotely due to the Coronavirus.  And while ProtonVPN, the firm that discovered the threat, would normally wait 90 days to release the bug, they thought it prudent to release the information immediately. If you are working remotely and you are unsure just how safe your home office is, download PTG's FREE  Remote Security Checklist to add extra layers of protection to your network and personal computer.  And as always, please call us at 919-422-2607 or schedule a free consultation with Craig here.  It is especially important that you protect yourself from cybercriminals during these uncertain times.

Related Resources

Learn more about how Petronella Technology Group can help:

Need help implementing these strategies? Our cybersecurity experts can assess your environment and build a tailored plan.
Get Free Assessment

About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
Related Service
Need Cybersecurity or Compliance Help?

Schedule a free consultation with our cybersecurity experts to discuss your security needs.

Schedule Free Consultation
Previous All Posts Next
Free cybersecurity consultation available Schedule Now