Can AirPods Get Malware? Is It Possible?

If you have AirPods, then you may already have noticed that Apple has launched the inaugural security patches for its Beats and AirPods. But as far as we know, Bluetooth devices should not pose any security risk. Then why is this patch for? Can AirPods get malware?

You’re not alone who is wondering about this but there are many other Apple users who have the same question. The patch is released to shield AirPods from a Bluetooth security flaw that lets outsiders access the headphones.

Don’t be afraid! In this article, we will explain whether AirPods can get affected by malware or not and how you can protect your AirPods from any type of Bluetooth vulnerabilities. So, don’t waste any of your valuable time, and let’s explore them below.

Is It Possible To Get AirPods Affected By Malware?

To determine whether AirPods can get affected by malware or not, it is crucial to understand how Bluetooth devices get malware.

Hackers can use Bluetooth on your phone to introduce malware, even when it’s off. They can also intercept data sent over Bluetooth, regardless of encryption. But as AirPods do not have any internal storage, it is extremely unlikely that AirPods can get malware.

They also do not connect to the internet, so they cannot download infected files or apps. Additionally, AirPods do not have an operating system, so they cannot execute any malicious code. 

Then Why Apple Releases Security Updates For Airpods?

in 2019, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in some Bluetooth chipsets that could allow an attacker to inject malicious firmware into a device. Although AirPods do not have an operating system or storage, they have firmware.

If the firmware of AirPods gets affected, hackers can interfere with the connection between your AirPods and the device to which they’re connected and can actually listen to your conversation through AirPods including what you’re hearing on your AirPods.

However, there is no need to be worried about it as Apple has already released a security update for AirPods. And this isn’t actually malware on the AirPods but rather a vulnerability in the connection protocol itself.

Despite this theoretical vulnerability, there are no known instances of AirPods being targeted with malware.

Tips to Protect AirPods from Vulnerabilities

Basically, it is very safe to use AirPods. However, it is always a good idea to be careful about what devices you pair them with and to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

Here are some tips to protect your AirPods from malware:

• Only pair your AirPods with devices that you trust.
• Avoid connecting your device to public Wi-Fi networks while using AirPods.
• Keep your AirPods’ firmware up to date.
• Be careful about what apps you download and install on your devices.
• Use a strong password for your Apple ID.

If you are concerned about the security of your AirPods, you can always disable Bluetooth when you are not using them.

Final Words

To sum up, the risk of malware on AirPods is extremely low. However, it is always a good idea to follow the safety measures mentioned above to protect your AirPod. Hopefully, you can now rest easy after knowing that your earbuds are not a prime target for malware. That’s all for now. Thanks for reading. 

Can AirPods Be Spied On?

Yes, someone can use Apple AirPods and their iPhone or iPad to secretly listen to your talks. This is called “AirPod spying” and it takes advantage of a feature named Live Listen. It is available in the latest iOS and iPod OS versions.

Are AirPods Safe From Hackers?

Your mobile phone’s personal information is safe with AirPods. But unfortunately, hackers can still hack the Bluetooth connection of your AirPods and listen to your conversations.