Streaming music to your speaker via AirPlay? You might be unknowingly broadcasting a welcome signal to hackers.
Hackers Can Hijack Devices Over Wi-Fi, No Password Needed
As reported by Wired, Researchers at cybersecurity firm Oligo just dropped a bombshell: millions of AirPlay-enabled devices, especially third-party ones like smart TVs and speakers, are vulnerable to a set of Wi-Fi-based attacks known as AirBorne.
If a hacker is on the same Wi-Fi network as your gadget (think coffee shop, airport, office, or even your home), they can potentially hijack it. No login or physical access needed.
What Is AirBorne and Why Should You Care?
AirBorne isn’t just one bug, it’s a collection of vulnerabilities buried in Apple’s AirPlay SDK, which many third-party companies use to make their gadgets compatible with Apple’s ecosystem.
According to Oligo, once a hacker gets into your network, they could inject malicious code into vulnerable devices, take full control, spy through built-in mics, or even spread malware across your home or office network. Yikes.
“Because AirPlay is supported in such a wide variety of devices, there are a lot that will take years to patch, or they will never be patched,” said Oligo CTO Gal Elbaz.
Apple Patched its Stuff, But Third-Party Devices Lag Behind
Apple already rolled out patches for its own devices (like iPhones, iPads, and Macs) over the last few months. But third-party speakers, TVs, and receivers? Many of them haven’t been updated, and may never be.
That’s the real issue. Apple doesn’t directly control the patching process for third-party manufacturers. So even though fixes are available, it’s up to each company to push them out, and many aren’t exactly known for their speedy updates.
Even CarPlay is Affected (Sort of)
Oligo says the same AirBorne bugs affect CarPlay too. This system is used in over 800 vehicle models. But before you panic, those attacks require physical pairing via Bluetooth or USB, so unless someone gets hands-on with your car, the risk is low.
Still, the thought of hackers messing with your car’s head unit? Not comforting.
Your Smart Speaker Could Be a Spy Tool
One of the creepiest takeaways from the AirBorne research: many affected devices have microphones. That means compromised gear could be turned into full-blown listening devices, ideal for spying or snooping, especially in offices or sensitive locations.
Even if you’re not a high-value target, it’s still unsettling to think your speaker or TV could be silently exploited.
What Should You Do Now?
If you own any third-party AirPlay-enabled devices, especially older ones, check for firmware updates. And definitely avoid using them on unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks.
“When was the last time you updated your speaker?” asked Oligo researcher Uri Katz. Yeah… same.
Related: New Google Phishing Scam Uses Real Email Tools to Bypass Security
The AirBorne vulnerabilities serve as a reminder that convenience often comes with a hidden cost. As more devices go wireless and smart, keeping them secure requires more than just trusting the brand name on the box.
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