Apple releases iOS 7.02, fixing lockscreen passcode flaw

Graham Cluley
Graham Cluley
@
@[email protected]
@gcluley

Apple has just released a new version of iOS for iPhone and iPad users, which they claim will fix the various passcode flaws that have been embarrassing the company since the recent launch of iOS 7.

The most recently discovered problem was a vulnerability in iOS 7’s lockscreen code that allowed anyone to make a phone call from a locked device via the emergency screen.

iOS 7.02

Anyone want to place a bet on how long it takes hackers to find a vulnerability in this version?

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If you want to install it for yourself, go to Settings | General | Software Update. Be sure, of course, to read the terms & conditions before you go ahead and install the update to iOS 7.02 – who knows what they could have slipped in there?

PS. Anyone else going to try using that Greek keyboard option for a really tricky to crack passcode? :)


Graham Cluley is an award-winning keynote speaker who has given presentations around the world about cybersecurity, hackers, and online privacy. A veteran of the computer security industry since the early 1990s, he wrote the first ever version of Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit for Windows, makes regular media appearances, and is the co-host of the popular "Smashing Security" podcast. Follow him on Twitter, Mastodon, Threads, Bluesky, or drop him an email.

51 comments on “Apple releases iOS 7.02, fixing lockscreen passcode flaw”

  1. Allen Wilson

    This update is not good for IPhone 4! :(

    1. Debbie · in reply to Allen Wilson
    2. brahbolda · in reply to Allen Wilson

      my phone screen shows de plug and pointing to itunes help me!

      1. Russ · in reply to brahbolda

        my iPhone 5 did the same thing I plugged it into my
        computer now it wants to RESTORE the iphone to NEW I really
        don't wanna loose all my data/pics but I think
        it's too late

      2. TW · in reply to brahbolda

        My IPhone 4 is showing the same thing! Plug pointing toward
        iTunes icon. Frozen on that screen. Can anyone help!!!!!!

        1. Graham CluleyGraham Cluley · in reply to TW

          My recommendation would be to seek assistance from Apple's tech support community.

          https://discussions.apple.com

        2. Sam · in reply to TW

          That happened when I downloaded the iOS 7 update. You don't have a choice: you must restore your iPhone. But don't fret about losing apps. Most likely when you plugged it in to your computer it backed up your apps to your computer. Otherwise your iPhone probably backups to the iCloud automatically each night. Once you restore your iPhone, you will be able to set it up and if it doesn't prompt to retrieve apps through the iCloud, you can do so through your settings. Then they download when you're in wifi. Your music, however, won't restore, so you'll have to sync from your itunes again.

  2. Angie Jones

    Is that the same with android then because I can phone
    emergency services from my lock screen as well!

    1. Graham CluleyGraham Cluley · in reply to Angie Jones

      This particular flaw allowed you to ring *any* number from the emergency screen however. Clearly "suboptimal" :)

  3. Omar

    Last time I installed iOS 0.7 & now could i re
    install iOS 7.2 for iPhone 5?please inform me immediately

    1. Graham CluleyGraham Cluley · in reply to Omar

      Do you mean iOS 7.0? If your iDevice can run iOS 7.0 then 7.02 should be safe to install. Just go via software update on your iPhone settings app.

      1. Omar · in reply to Graham Cluley

        Yes sir I meant iOS 7 version & I also installed iOS 7.2 version properly .. Thank you sir .

      2. N26 · in reply to Graham Cluley

        How can I downgrade my iPhone 4s to 6.1.3? I have an iOS
        7.2 but I cannot turn-on the wi-fi. please do help.

  4. Debbie

    Since updating my iphone 4 to ios7 my itunes hasnt worked i
    backed it up and restored it to its original phone yesterday it was
    working today its not pls help

  5. SInce Updating to 7.0.2 My phone has been in recovery
    mode…I have never had an update that did this….Great Thanks
    Apple…

    1. Tony · in reply to Ryan Jones

      Just restore. It'll be fine. That's why
      you backup before you update.

      1. Russ · in reply to Tony

        this is CRAP a tiny update to wreck my main mode of
        communications I (unlike most "Apple Zombies"
        don't plug my phone into my computer often at all) hell, I
        don't even use my home computer except to print

        1. .me · in reply to Russ

          Oooh, "Apple Zombies". You must be a very
          superior being Russ. Wanker!

  6. Jonathan

    How do I access the Greek password keyboard please
    help

    1. Graham CluleyGraham Cluley · in reply to Jonathan

      Open your Settings app

      Go to General / Keyboard / Keyboards / Add New Keyboard…

      I err.. wouldn't actually recommend it unless you are Greek though.

      1. Bryan · in reply to Graham Cluley

        I wasn't expecting it to be for typing in general, I thought it was for the password entry on the lock screen.

  7. Chandler Calhoon

    The Siri to make calls while locked is still there and
    airplane mode while locked

    1. Russ · in reply to Chandler Calhoon

      it would be awesome for them to fix this I hate Siri
      talking to me from my pocket

  8. lynne

    tried to instal ois7.02 now my phones not going on

  9. Joe

    Hi ,did the updates successfully, problem I have since
    update is that the phone will not answer the 'slide to
    answer' ,not working effectively

  10. davcompany

    ios 7.0.2 = ZONK !! F*#k OFF !!

    1. Graham CluleyGraham Cluley · in reply to davcompany

      I'm not sure I know the word "ZONK", but I suspect I've worked out it's meaning from the rest of your message.

      Maybe Apple Support can help if you're having a problem? Or try the online discussion forums: https://discussions.apple.com

  11. Ken Mullen

    Installed 7.0.2 I can send messages email and phone using
    Siri with the phone locked.

  12. Sid

    Thats all well and good but there is another flaw! As it
    stands, you can turn on Airplane mode from the lock screen. So what
    you say. But if your phone is stolen and Airplane mode is
    activated, there's no point in 'Find my
    iPhone' as the phone is not sending out a signal. Yes, you
    can disable control center from the lock screen, but that defeats
    the object of having it. All Apple need to do is hide the Airplane
    mode tab in lock screen and expose it when pin unlocked.

  13. everyone I talk to that has updated it hates it. I now wish I not updated my phone it's hard to see you for older eyes, icons are not very well done. My phone seems to be really cliquish now. Trying to figure out how to go back to the older version.

  14. Anthoro

    Great! It did work for me ! Remember to hold home button
    until itunes will recognize your device and recovery mode. THX mate
    !

    1. Ann · in reply to Anthoro

      struggling to sync my iTunes on laptop with recently
      updated iphone as all was lost on update. iTunes is not recognising
      my phone – can anyone help?

  15. kathy

    How do I change to the Greek keyboard?

    1. Graham CluleyGraham Cluley · in reply to kathy

      Are you Greek Kathy?

      If you're not Greek then it may be unwise to switch to a Greek keyboard.

      But here's how your change the keyboard on your iPhone to Greek (and indeed umpteen other languages):

      Open your Settings app

      Go to General / Keyboard / Keyboards / Add New Keyboard…

      1. kathy · in reply to Graham Cluley

        no, i'm not greek. but i like the old keyboard to type in my password. that is what i thought this meant. i thought they were giving us back the old password keyboard.

        guess not…………..

  16. zenaa

    why does it takes so much time to get
    updated…………

  17. John

    I'm running iOS 7 dev beta update 3 and my 5th gen
    iPod touch isn't detecting a software update, anybody know
    why?

  18. syrendyr

    blue tooth with Ford Sync all jacked up now!!!! car
    controls are not responding ….can't change songs or
    play/pause without manually hitting play from the phone.
    sucks!!

    1. Michael Bazzoni · in reply to syrendyr

      Same here. My steering wheel audio controls in my Ford
      Fusion are gone since loading 7.02 on my iPhone 5. I posted that in
      the Apple Support Communities too. Not cool find this out while I
      was driving.

  19. Matthew philp

    when i plug my phone into iTunes it says there is a
    problem? what do i do?

    1. Ann · in reply to Matthew philp

      have you found a solution, if you have please share as I
      have same problem!!

      1. Graham CluleyGraham Cluley · in reply to Ann

        I'd recommend asking on Apple's Support Community forums: https://discussions.apple.com

  20. Rob Lessen

    I'm still pissed that I lost my calendar entries
    when I "updated" to 7. I'm thinking
    I'll try an Andriod phone soon.

  21. Angela

    Hi, Since updating my Iphone 4, my battery is draining
    within about 4 hours. I have done both updates, turned off Wifi,
    bluetooth, etc. Is this being addressed?

  22. Austin

    Since I downloaded ios7-7.2 on my iPhone 5 my battery dies extremely fast does anyone know why?

    1. Mike · in reply to Austin

      I am having the same problem. Started immediately after
      updating to 7.02. And this is a newer (6 months) phone.

  23. Hey Graham?
    How can I update from ios6.1.3 to. 7.0.2 without having to restore it?

  24. impations

    I Hate IOS 7.02 it sucks for IPhone 4 . I like to take
    pictures on my iPhone and ios 7.02 says it uses panorama and I
    don't get that on my phone or the color effects. I hate
    that the txt screen is all white it hurts my EYEs when I have many
    texts to read. please find a solution to the white screen .
    !!!

  25. Philip

    7.2 Don't do it.. will mess up your phone. My
    phone was working good on the IOS 7.1, excluding the code glitch,
    now I lost all information and nothing is in the i cloud that was
    backed up earlier. Will never consider an apple product
    again.

  26. Allie

    I updated my iphone today and hate it!! whats worse is the
    Greek keyboard is jacked!! I changed my password and only used 3
    characters, it accepted it and now I have been locked out of my
    phone ALL day!! The symbol of sigma is not the same on the lock
    screen and I am locked out!

  27. Ritch

    I updated my Iphone 5 to IOS 7.2 a couple of weeks ago, i really liked the look and feel of it………….untill my phone decided to die on me, the apple logo was on for 3 seconds then off for 3 seconds. I took my phone to my service provider and they have sent it off to be looked at and hopefully fixed. I just hope all my videos and photos are still on there when i get it back, im not that fussed about the phone just the footage of my son. Has anybody else had this problem and do you know if i will get the phone back with the footage on.

    Thanks

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