Data Storage Flaw Discovered in macOS Devices
Data and electronics developer Pedro José Pereira Vieito recently uncovered a serious flaw in the data storage system of macOS devices. His investigation revealed that user conversations on ChatGPT were stored in unencrypted form until July 5, posing a significant breach of confidentiality.
Privacy Protection System in macOS
macOS features a privacy protection system called Sandbox that regulates application access to software and data at the core level of the operating system. Despite this security measure, user conversations on ChatGPT were found to be stored in plain text format at a vulnerable location, potentially allowing unauthorized access to personal information.
Swift Response to Security Concerns
Upon the issue being brought to OpenAI’s attention, the developers promptly released an update that introduced encryption for conversations, ensuring the safeguarding of user’s personal information.
Future Integrations and Concerns
ChatGPT, which was made available on the macOS platform in May and later to all users by June, has plans to be integrated into Siri, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. This announcement has sparked public interest, with prominent figures such as Elon Musk expressing concerns over the security implications of such integrations.
Musk even went so far as to threaten banning the use of Apple devices should security measures not be taken to protect user data.
