Data shared on AirDrop have privacy protections—a series of cryptographic measures known as hash functions. But the researchers faulted the potency of the hash functions, revealing that they can be easily compromised with the use of simple techniques like brute-force attacks.

Is AirDrop safe to use?

AirDrop is a fast, simple way to transfer files, photos, videos and more from one Apple device to another. Apple's popular AirDrop feature for sharing files may be vulnerable to hacking attempts, according to security researchers at a German university.

Can you get in trouble for airdropping?

Because AirDrop is a feature that is automatically included on every iPhone, not a social-media app, there's no moderation or reporting tools, nor can anyone get banned from the service for sharing graphic or sexual images like you could on Instagram, for instance.