Researchers have discovered a critical vulnerability in Apple’s M1, M2, and M3 chips that are used in recent Mac computers and iPad tablets. The flaw allows attackers to access encrypted keys, including those protecting cryptocurrency wallets.
Affected Devices
The vulnerability impacts devices with Apple’s custom silicon chips:
- M1 chip in Macs since late 2020 and some iPads
- M2 chip in newer Macs, iPads, and Apple Vision headset
- M3 chip in latest models
Older Macs with Intel processors are not affected. Nor are iPhones and iPads with Apple’s A-series chips.
Risks to Crypto Owners
The exploit could let attackers steal private keys from crypto wallets on vulnerable devices. So users should remove wallets from affected devices as a precaution.
Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor are likely not at direct risk. But avoid connecting them to vulnerable devices.
Funds on centralized exchanges like Coinbase are not directly at risk since you don’t control the private keys. But be wary of password manager apps on affected devices.
Mitigating the Threat
There is no fix for the vulnerability, since it resides at the chip level. App developers could implement workarounds, but with performance tradeoffs.
The threat requires targeted malware attacks, not broad drive-by attacks. But prudent users should migrate crypto wallets off vulnerable Apple devices.
Assessing the Seriousness
It’s a serious flaw, but the real-world risk appears low for average users. Exploiting it takes significant time and effort. Still, cryptocurrency owners should take protective steps.
