Is Your Family at Risk from AirPlay and CarPlay Vulnerabilities?

Have you ever used Apple’s AirPlay to stream music or videos at home? Or maybe you rely on CarPlay to navigate while driving, reply to messages hands-free, or keep the kids entertained during long trips. These tools are super convenient—especially for families juggling busy schedules.

However, there’s a new security concern you need to know about. Is your family at risk?
Here’s what you need to know.

AirPlay and CarPlay Vulnerabilities

While Apple iPhones and iPads are often praised for their strong security, recent vulnerabilities in AirPlay and CarPlay have shown that even trusted systems can be targeted by hackers.

A recently discovered set of vulnerabilities—collectively dubbed Airborne—have raised red flags for cybersecurity experts. These flaws affect Apple’s AirPlay and CarPlay technologies and could potentially allow hackers to attack your devices if they’re connected to the same local network.

Here’s the scary part: these attacks can happen without you doing anything. If your phone or tablet is simply connected to a smart speaker, smart TV, or car system using AirPlay or CarPlay, a hacker on the same Wi-Fi network might exploit these vulnerabilities to:

• Access your personal data
• Inject malicious code
• Hijack device functions without your knowledge

Imagine you’re in a hotel, on public Wi-Fi, or even at home with a smart device that hasn’t been updated—your family could be exposed without ever realizing it.

Why Airborne Issue Matters for Families

Most families rely heavily on connected devices. Kids stream shows on the Apple TV, parents use CarPlay during the morning commute, and smart speakers play music and answer homework questions. These small conveniences are part of everyday life—but they also create new entry points for cyber threats.

The bigger problem? Many of these devices don’t receive regular software updates. That means even if your iPhone is secure, your older smart TV or third-party CarPlay device may not be. And if it’s on the same Wi-Fi network, it’s a weak link.

Learn the Difference Between AirPlay and Carplay

AirPlay lets you wirelessly share your screen or content to a smart TV or speaker. The problem? If you’re on a public or shared network—like at a hotel, Airbnb, or friend’s house—you might be exposing your device to others nearby. Hackers on the same Wi-Fi can sometimes exploit vulnerabilities to access what you’re sharing or even your device itself.

CarPlay, on the other hand, connects your phone to your vehicle’s dashboard for hands-free calls, maps, and messages. While this seems safe, some cars store your personal data—like recent texts, contacts, or location history. If you use CarPlay in a rental car or someone else’s vehicle and forget to delete your data, you’re leaving your digital footprint behind for the next person to see or misuse.

Simple Steps to Protect Your Family

There are easy steps you can take today to lower your risk. Let’s walk through them together:

1.  Keep All Devices Updated

This might sound obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Make sure every device in your home is running the latest firmware or software version. Apple has already issued patches for these vulnerabilities, so updates matter now more than ever.

Devices include:

• iPhones and iPads
• Smart TVs and speakers
• Car infotainment systems
• Routers and network extenders

2.  Secure Your Home Wi-Fi

Your Wi-Fi is the digital front door to your home. Strengthen it with these tips:

• Change the default network name and password
• Enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it
• Set up a guest network for visitors and smart home devices
• Reboot your router periodically to flush out unwanted connections

3.  Avoid Public or Unsecured Wi-Fi

If your family connects devices in public places—like hotels, cafes, or airports—use caution. Avoid streaming through AirPlay or connecting to CarPlay unless absolutely necessary. Consider using a mobile hotspot or a VPN for safer connections on the go.

Sure, Airplay and CarPlay are super convenient, especially when you’re on the go. But just like with public Wi-Fi, there are hidden security risks if you’re not careful.

4.  Limit Device Permissions

Check what devices are allowed to connect to your AirPlay or CarPlay setup.

Apple offers some useful settings to limit access:

• Go to Settings > AirPlay & Handoff
• Set Allow Access to Only People Sharing This Home
• Disable Automatically AirPlay to TVs if not needed

For CarPlay, only connect your phone to trusted vehicles and avoid pairing with unfamiliar rental systems when possible.

5.  Talk to Your Family About Smart Device Safety

Kids may not understand the risks of connecting to every smart speaker or screen they see. Help them learn to:

• Ask before connecting to unfamiliar networks
• Be cautious about accepting AirPlay requests
• Avoid sharing personal data on shared or public devices

Staying One Step Ahead

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and this Airborne vulnerability is a good reminder that convenience can come with hidden risks. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your family safe.

With a few smart habits, like keeping devices updated and being careful on public networks, you can continue enjoying the benefits of AirPlay and CarPlay—without leaving the digital door wide open.

Here’s a downloadable checklist you can refer to ensure you’ve followed all the necessary steps.