Apple credits Lebanese researcher for uncovering major iOS security flaw
For the first time in its history, Apple's update carried a clear Lebanese contribution, as the company acknowledged Lebanese Hasan Sheet for uncovering a critical flaw that prompted an urgent fix.
The Semicolon team identified a severe vulnerability that compromised the privacy of iPhone and iPad users worldwide.
The flaw allowed unauthorized access to users' photos and control over them, even bypassing advanced security measures like Face ID—without the user's knowledge.
While Apple has patched the flaw in its latest update, the company has not permitted Semicolon to disclose further technical details on the exploit.
The team urged all Apple users to update their devices immediately to mitigate security risks.
A post shared by Semicolon Academy (@academy.semicolon)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
L'Orient-Le Jour
23-07-2025
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Government holds talks with Eutelsat, a Starlink competitor
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met a delegation from the French group Eutelsat, specializing in satellite communications — including internet access, mobile and landline telephones, data transfer and television broadcasting — on Wednesday, according to an announcement posted by the Grand Serail on X. That morning, the same delegation visited the Telecommunications Ministry for an initial meeting with Minister Charles Hage. Few details have emerged from that discussion. Contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, the minister's office simply indicated that it was an exploratory exchange with no conclusions at this stage, except that Lebanon is seeking to strengthen its internet access, a service Eutelsat provides. A major player in the sector, Eutelsat OneWeb — the trade name adopted following the September 2023 merger between French operator Eutelsat and British company OneWeb — offers a satellite internet service similar to Starlink, the SpaceX subsidiary founded by Elon Musk, with whom Lebanon had initiated discussions that ultimately went nowhere. With a satellite fleet far smaller than its competitor's, Eutelsat OneWeb is mainly well-established in the European market, while also covering several countries in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. After the meeting at the Grand Serail, Hani al-Arja, vice president in charge of sales of connectivity solutions for the MENA region, said the company had informed the prime minister of "ongoing preparations for the potential launch of the company's services in Lebanon," which will in principle be marketed by operators Ogero, Alfa and Touch. "The company specializes in providing fast satellite internet and communication services, including low-cost mobile satellites. This service will provide users with high-speed internet connectivity," he said. These talks with Eutelsat cast doubt on the state of negotiations with SpaceX, which had already failed under the previous government of Najib Mikati due to service costs and a technical constraint: SpaceX reportedly required Lebanon to host its data management servers in Qatar or Germany, which would violate Law No. 81 on personal data protection. Yet, the adoption of Starlink seemed well underway in early June — buoyed by the enthusiasm displayed by Musk, who had expressed his wish "to see his companies present in Lebanon," according to remarks reported by the Lebanese presidency. Even U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who just wrapped up a three-day visit to Lebanon to discuss the state monopoly on arms, called the case 'promising' during an interview with Télé Liban on Monday night. It is difficult to know where things currently stand. According to a source from a major Lebanese internet provider, talks with Starlink are at a standstill. Another source, close to the government, said nothing prevents Lebanon from negotiating with both Eutelsat and SpaceX at the same time. Lebanon is mainly connected to the internet via submarine and land cables. On the sidelines of his meeting with Eutelsat, the prime minister also met the Lebanese team that will participate in the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship (MOSWC) and the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship (ACPWC), which will be held from July 27 to 30 in Orlando, Florida. The Makhzoumi Foundation organizes the national selection in Lebanon, after which the country's representatives are chosen. The participants presented the prime minister with the official jersey that Lebanon will be represented with during this international competition, according to a statement.
MTV Lebanon
17-07-2025
- MTV Lebanon
Digital reform in focus as Minister Shehadeh meets donors at ESCWA
Discussions reportedly focused on the digital transformation project, as a key lever for revitalizing the Lebanese the meeting, Minister Shehadeh gave a detailed presentation on his ministry's action plan, noting that "the National Digital Transformation Strategy is ready for launch, pending the approval of the draft law establishing the Ministry of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Parliament."Shehadeh explained that "the plan is based on four main axes:- Modernizing the digital infrastructure of public institutions and administrations,- Supporting digital entrepreneurship and developing an incubator environment for startups,- Promoting digital inclusion in marginalized areas,- Securing a legal and legislative framework that encourages investment in the technology sector."During the meeting, Minister Shehadeh also presented a number of model initiatives and projects launched by the ministry, including cooperation agreements with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Tourism, as well as other institutional partnerships that serve as practical models for the digital transformation plan across the public of donor countries expressed great interest in the plan, stressing "the importance of securing an integrated legal and implementation framework that ensures transparency, effectiveness, and continuity of the proposed programs, in line with international standards for digital development."
Ya Libnan
28-06-2025
- Ya Libnan
Musk calls president Aoun over Lebanon communication, internet sector
BEIRUT – Billionaire businessman Elon Musk and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun spoke by phone to discuss making elements of Musk's sprawling business empire available in Lebanon, a statement from Aoun's office said on Thursday. The statement said Musk called Aoun and 'expressed his interest in Lebanon and its telecommunications and internet sectors'. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here. Aoun invited Musk to visit Lebanon and said he was open to having Musk's companies present in the country, which ranks among the countries with the lowest internet speeds. The call came just weeks after Aoun and other top Lebanese officials met with Starlink's Global Director of Licensing and Development, Sam Turner, in Beirut for talks on providing satellite internet services in Lebanon. U.S. ambassador Lisa Johnson was pictured attending those meetings. The negotiations have prompted some pushback in Lebanon. Internet access in the country has so far been operated exclusively by state-owned companies and their affiliates, who are lobbying the government not to license Starlink. Starlink recently received licenses to operate in India and Lesotho . (Reuters)
