Security experts urge caution on Frash

Security experts have renewed warnings to iPhone users thinking about jail-breaking their handset's operating system to run unauthorised software, as it will increase the risk of downloading malicious applications in the future.

The warnings come after Apple jail-break developer Comex revealed earlier this week that its Frash offering can allow Flash content to run on the iPad.

A description next to a YouTube clip showing Frash in action reads: "Frash can run most Flash programs natively in the MobileSafari browser. It currently only runs on the iPad, but support for other devices (3GS+ only due to technical restrictions) is planned, as well as support for iOS 4."

However, software assurance firm Fortify Software has warned users against jail-breaking their iPhones because it allows the devices to run third-party apps which have not been sanctioned or security vetted by Apple, and could therefore be infected with malware.

"Whilst Frash may look attractive to iPhone 4 and 3GS users wanting to surf to extra web sites, the reality is that users will have to jail-break their handsets to install this software, allowing the loading of apps from almost any source," said Barmak Meftah, Fortify's chief products officer.

"We urge smartphone users to think very carefully before downloading an app for their handset from an untried or unknown source, no matter how attractive the free app looks."