Security hack can 'kill' MacBook battery firmware

Accuvant security researcher Charlie Miller on Friday revealed plans to demonstrate an exploit that would compromise the batteries, not the computers, on MacBooks. Apple's batteries reportedly use default passwords on their firmware and can have their controllers compromised by those who know the passwords and can get access to the low level hardware. The hole shown to Forbes could lead to something as simple as rendering the battery inoperable to auto-installing malware and even forced overheating.
Miller has so far wrecked seven batteries with the hack, though none to the point where they suffer physical damage. Batteries have a fuse that will automatically cut if they overheat in normal c... »read more

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