All Starlink dish locations identified via AirTag bug as Elon Musk says 'significant resources' go to prevent jamming

[Redaktion]

The precise geolocation that Apple considers to be a feature of its device tracking system has been deemed a security bug that allowed the mapping of all Starlink access points.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/All-Starlink-dish-locations-identified-via-AirTag-bug-as-Elon-Musk-says-significant-resources-go-to-prevent-jamming.841495.0.html

[bogd]

I think the author of the article fundamentally misunderstood the original topic - it has absolutely nothing to do with AirTags....

The research paper talks about WiFi SSID collection (by mobile phones), while the AirTags are Bluetooth-only devices.

[E-lectric]

You're right. WiFi is a relatively power hungry scheme, a coin cell won't keep you transmitting for a year.

Now, whether those wodka-phones are promiscuous and locating WiFi networks, let's have another drink!

[Jan Olsen]

You're right. WiFi is a relatively power hungry scheme, a coin cell won't keep you transmitting for a year.

Now, whether those wodka-phones are promiscuous and locating WiFi networks, let's have another drink!

True. But maybe airtags are using this database to pinpoint location.

[Definitely human]

You're right. WiFi is a relatively power hungry scheme, a coin cell won't keep you transmitting for a year.

Now, whether those wodka-phones are promiscuous and locating WiFi networks, let's have another drink!

True. But maybe airtags are using this database to pinpoint location.

No, AirTags have no idea where they are, no concept of location. All they're doing is transmitting an identifier, basically shouting out "Here I am! My name is <insert random key here>!" over and over again. They rely on Apple devices to notice that message, at which point they use the key to encrypt their own current location and upload it anonymously to Apple.

The database in question is unrelated to this mechanism per se, its use is for Apple devices to attempt to ascertain their own location when they're not able to pick up GPS signals (or for that matter, to start figuring out where they are faster than they can get the GPS system up and running).

[MOChris]

My starlink doesn't even know where I am located. All of my devices think I'm in Texas & I'm in MO so?