Apple iPhone 17 Adds Hardware Defense Against Crypto Threats

The upcoming Apple iPhone 17 introduces enhanced security features aimed at protecting crypto users from memory-based attacks. At the heart of this upgrade is Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE), a hardware-level protection that uses memory tagging techniques to prevent common vulnerabilities exploited by attackers to hijack signing operations.

Apple Offering Stronger Protection Against Memory Exploits

MIE is enabled by default and works by detecting dangerous memory access patterns, such as out-of-bounds reads and use-after-free errors—two types of vulnerabilities that account for nearly 70% of software flaws. These vulnerabilities are frequently used in zero-day attacks targeting crypto wallets and Passkey approvals. 

Cybersecurity firm Hacken stated that this feature “meaningfully” reduces the chances of attackers exploiting memory corruption flaws to gain control over signing code, making it especially valuable for high-net-worth users or those who sign transactions frequently.

The protection operates continuously across both kernel and Apple user-level processes, making spyware development more difficult and expensive. Hacken explained, “It raises the bar for attackers and makes targeted spyware/exploit development much harder and more expensive. That directly benefits wallet apps and Passkey flows that rely on in-process operations.”

Not a Complete Solution, User Awareness Still Critical

Despite these improvements, MIE is not a complete safeguard. It does not defend against phishing, social engineering, malicious websites, or compromised apps. Hacken warned that “security improvements reduce overall risk but don’t make devices invulnerable,” urging users to remain cautious and stay alert to new threats.

Crypto users on Apple devices have faced significant risks in recent months. In July, a zero-click vulnerability was discovered that allowed attackers to compromise iPhones, iPads, and Macs without user interaction. 

Apple patched the issue across multiple operating systems. Earlier this year, Kaspersky raised concerns about malicious SDKs scanning users’ photo galleries for wallet recovery phrases. In 2024, Trust Wallet also advised users to disable iMessage after a warning about a high-risk zero-day exploit circulating on the Dark Web.

Apple’s Memory Integrity Enforcement feature offers a significant boost to device security, particularly for crypto users handling sensitive operations. However, experts stress that users must continue practicing caution and remain vigilant as threats evolve.