EDITOR’S NOTE: Originally, we asked Carlos Graves, iPhone freak and PhoneDog friend, to do a short step-by-step on Blackra1n and Blacksn0w, the jailbreak and unlock tools which recently came out for iPhone update 3.1.2. Though we don't endorse jailbreaking, we realize that some readers may be curious about the process (especially since Blackra1n has been called the easiest method yet).
Since then, the news broke about the iPhone/Privacy.A worm infecting jailbroken handsets. Basically, when SSH is running with the default password, it leaves the device susceptible to attack by this particular virus.
So with this in mind, we’ve updated the post to include instructions on how to change the root password (courtesy of TechieBuzz). It follows the original post on the jailbreak procedure, which is below in its entirety. ~ Adriana
BLACKRA1N
By Carlos Graves
Before I write anything about Blacksn0w and Blackra1n, I must first say that neither PhoneDog nor I are responsible for any problems you may have as a result of using these methods. Also, we are not responsible for any scuffs you might run into with Apple if you bring a jailbroken/unlocked device to the Genius Bar. This is supplied for your information, and what you do with that info is at your own risk.
Okay, with that said, here we go…
THE JAILBREAKING PROCESS
If you are used to open-source platforms (like I am), you probably don't like how “closed source” Apple iPhones are. (What this means is basically there are no customization options and you cannot add non-approved 3rd party applications or unlock the phone). But don’t worry — there's a hack for that.
Want to use your iPhone on a new service because of the #AT&Tfails (follow me @CarlosGraves) or customize your phone to make it strictly yours? The magic that you are looking for is called Blackra1n, a new program that's compatible with the latest iPhone update 3.1.2. Made by George Hotz (aka Geohot) and dubbed "The 30 Second Jailbreak," it lets you jailbreak and unlock (optional) your device using some incredibly easy steps.
Blackra1n works on nearly every device – iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch, and iPod Touch 2G. The iPod Touch 3G isn't included here because it is a “tethered jailbreak,” which means every time you reboot it, the jailbreak will be lost. (I would suggest waiting for a fix before attempting to jailbreak the Touch 3G. Things could get frustrating.) As for everyone else, here's the tutorial:
Step 1 – Download Blackra1n.app and save it to your desktop or another easy place to locate it. (Only available on Mac and Windows)
Step 2 – Plug your iPhone/iPod Touch into your computer and open iTunes.
Step 3 – Disable the “Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected”
Step 4 – With your iPhone/iPod Touch still plugged in, open the newly downloaded Blackra1n.app.
Step 5 – Simply click on “Make it rain” and wait for the goodies to come to you!
The way you will know that the jailbreak worked is when your iPhone/iPod Touch is booting up, you see the image below.
But wait, you're not done yet! On your springboard (home screen), you will see a new application called “Blackra1n”. Simply open this and choose any of the 3 applications to download – Cydia, Rock, and sn0w — then click “Install”.
A WORD ABOUT BLACKSN0W
Blacksn0w is the application that will unlock your phone so you can use it on any GSM network. (If you're not familiar with cellular bands, the telltale sign that a phone is on a GSM network is that there's a SIM chip. On other phones, it's usually behind the battery on the back of the handset. Not for the iPhone, though. As you know, there is no removable battery for this. The SIM chip is actually located at the top of the handset, next to the headphone jack.) To install Blacksn0w, all you need to do is launch it from the Blackra1n.app and then reboot your phone (optional, but suggested).
With that, you can now customize your iPhone and use it on any GSM network!
CHANGING THE DEFAULT PASSWORD
The iPhone/Privacy.A worm targets devices with OpenSSH installed using Cydia with the default password “alpine.” The following steps outline how to change the root password for OpenSSH on iPhones or iPod Touches, to safeguard against this security breach.
Step 1 - Go to Cydia and Install a Terminal app.
Step 2 - Launch Terminal, and at the command line, type “su” and hit enter.
Step 3 - Enter the default OpenSSH password “alpine” (which logs you in as root)
Step 4 - Type “passwd” into terminal.
Step 5 - Create a new password and click enter.
Step 6 - Re-enter the new password to confirm.
If fussing with terminal command lines makes you queasy, take heart: It’s actually a pretty simple procedure. But if you want to enlist the help of a tech-savvier friend, we won’t hold it against you. Just make sure it gets done! It only takes a moment, and it blocks access to your iPhone or iPod Touch from unwanted intruders — not to mentin ghastly images of Rick Astley.
Default password change, via: Techie Buzz