Three Buddy Problem Zero-day reality check: iOS exploits, MAPP in China and the hack-back temptation
6 snips
Aug 22, 2025 The latest discussion dives into Apple's emergency iOS patch and the implications of zero-click threats. The speakers highlight the murky waters of cybersecurity, exploring how nation-states exploit vulnerabilities and the blurred lines between crime and advanced persistent threats. A hot topic is the debate over Microsoft's restrictive access for Chinese vendors and the controversial idea of 'letters of marque' for cyber offense. The episode wraps up with insights into ransomware threats and the challenges of legacy devices, stressing the need for innovative security solutions.
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What “May Have Been Exploited” Really Means
- Apple labels like “may have been exploited” often signal sophisticated, active zero-click chains rather than tiny isolated bugs.
- Lack of endpoint security and silent infections mean large-scale exploitation can remain unnoticed.
Commercial Vendors Bridge Nation-State Gaps
- Commercial mercenary spyware vendors fill a gap even powerful nations sometimes can't or won't fill in iOS exploitation.
- That market structure explains recurring iOS zero-day use and vendor persistence despite sanctions.
Act Fast After An Apple Notification
- When notified of nation-state targeting, enable Lockdown Mode and follow Apple mitigation steps immediately.
- Collect backups, syslogs and traffic so you can investigate the incident with timestamps for evidence.
