Recent viral TikTok videos have raised unnecessary alarm among iPhone users by claiming that hackers can steal financial information from Apple Pay via AirDrop. According to these videos, simply having AirDrop enabled would allow a nearby stranger to gain access to sensitive credit card information. However, cybersecurity experts have thoroughly debunked these claims, confirming that they are baseless and entirely unfounded.
The central rumor suggests that if AirDrop is active on an iPhone, a hacker could exploit it to perform a so-called "walk-by hack," thereby gaining unauthorized access to financial data through Apple Pay. Viewers were urged to disable AirDrop to protect themselves from this imagined threat. Despite the buzz, experts, including reports by Apple Insider, have dismissed these claims as misinformation, emphasizing that AirDrop and Apple Pay function independently and cannot interact in the manner described.
AirDrop does not facilitate automatic data transfers, as it requires the recipient to manually accept incoming files. Additionally, the "Everyone" mode is only active for 10 minutes unless reactivated, with most users defaulting to "Contacts Only" or "Off" settings. Similarly, Apple Pay uses advanced encryption and secure technology that makes such a breach impossible. Each card added to Apple Pay generates a unique Device Account Number stored securely within the Secure Element—a tamper-proof chip designed to keep sensitive data isolated from the operating system. Transactions are further protected by biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID, along with dynamic security codes, ensuring card details are never reused or exposed.
The confusion surrounding this claim may stem from the introduction of Apple’s **NameDrop** feature in 2023. NameDrop allows users to exchange contact details by bringing two iPhones close together, but this feature only shares basic contact information—not financial data. While this new functionality may have caused some misunderstanding, there is no connection between NameDrop, AirDrop, or Apple Pay’s secure payment system.
Although the viral claims are false, users are encouraged to follow basic smartphone security practices to safeguard their devices. For instance, turning AirDrop off when not needed can reduce exposure to unwanted file sharing. It is also important to rely on trusted sources for information regarding potential security risks instead of viral social media posts. These steps, combined with Apple Pay’s robust security infrastructure, provide comprehensive protection for users’ financial information.
This incident underscores the importance of critically evaluating viral content before sharing it. Spreading unverified rumours can lead to unnecessary panic, despite the lack of credible evidence supporting such claims. Users can rest assured that Apple Pay remains one of the safest payment methods, supported by encryption, biometric authentication, and secure design principles.
