Apple’s newest iPhone 17 brings an important security upgrade for crypto users, introducing hardware-based protections designed to block common attacks that target transaction signing.
The centerpiece of this update is Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE), a system enabled by default that applies EMTE-style memory tagging. This approach helps catch and prevent dangerous flaws such as out-of-bounds memory use and “use-after-free” bugs—two of the most widely exploited vulnerabilities in cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity company Hacken highlighted the change as a “significant” improvement, noting that MIE sharply lowers the chances of hackers exploiting memory-corruption zero-days to hijack wallet operations. “For frequent signers and high-value crypto holders, it’s a clear security boost,” the firm said.
A harder target for spyware
With MIE running continuously across both user and kernel processes, attackers now face tougher hurdles when trying to develop spyware or build exploit chains. Hacken explained that this move makes it far more costly and time-consuming for malicious actors to compromise in-process signing flows, such as wallet approvals or Passkey confirmations.
“This makes life a lot harder for exploit developers,” Hacken noted. “Wallet apps and authentication flows that rely on sensitive in-memory processes will see direct benefits.”
Still, the feature is not foolproof. It does not guard against phishing schemes, rogue apps, or social engineering tactics. Nor does it replace the protection offered by dedicated hardware wallets.
“Security layers reduce the overall risk but can’t eliminate it entirely,” Hacken cautioned, urging users to remain cautious about new threats.
Crypto security challenges for Apple users
The update comes at a time when Apple device owners are facing rising risks. Just last month, researchers disclosed a zero-click exploit that could infect iPhones, iPads, and Macs without any interaction from the user. Apple responded by issuing emergency patches across its platforms.
Earlier this year, Kaspersky reported that certain malicious app development kits on both the App Store and Google Play were designed to scan photo libraries in search of seed phrases for crypto wallets.
And in 2024, Trust Wallet even advised iOS users to turn off iMessage temporarily, citing credible intelligence about a dangerous zero-day exploit circulating on the Dark Web that could allow full device takeover.
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