Apple is warning of updates to iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers to fix security flaws in the devices. The company admits that the flaws may have been actively exploited by hackers.
Apple itself states that the updates are available for the Iphone 6 and later, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2 and later, and iPad 5th generation and later. In addition to later editions of the iPad mini 4 and 7th generation iPod touch. Mac users running the macOS Monterey operating system are also encouraged to upgrade.
For this to have occurred, the hackers took advantage of the flaw to infiltrate WebKit, the engine that powers Apple’s Safari browser. Apple itself says that the exploit can be used by hackers if the user accesses malicious content. As such, this means that hackers could execute malicious code on a device that is involved.
About the updates
Software updates are part of our modern technology lives and should not be ignored.
The reason for updating software is the security of your data. When a program is released, it usually has some flaws in the codes and this makes it easy for criminals to break into the system, and data theft or malware may act.
The developers themselves also find flaws, analyze them and figure out how to fix them, preventing cybercrime from happening. Therefore, newer versions of certain programs are much safer.
However, it is important to check the settings on your device, and even better is to have automatic updates enabled.
In the case of Apple users, so far, there is no evidence that hackers have used the flaw to launch massive attacks against the general public.
The company has released similar emergency security updates in 2022, the most recent was in march. According to the security update page, “Apple does not disclose, discuss or confirm security issues until an investigation is conducted and releases are available.”
Software upgrade made easier:
Many people have trouble keeping up with device updates, even though they know how important they are. Just go to settings, access general, and select software update. Wait a moment for the search for the latest update, keep the device connected to a wireless network, and with a charge greater than 70%.
Fortunately, there are solutions that can be taken to make this process easier. Check it out:
Enable automatic updates: the first step is to know when updates need to be made or where to look for them. Most software and applications today come with an automatic update function, which is performed whenever a new patch is available, regardless of your command;
Check for new data regularly: even with automatic updates enabled, there may still be one or another update patch that hasn’t been properly registered or that you didn’t download because you weren’t on a wi-fi network;
Always-on protection software: antivirus and firewalls are geared toward security in the digital environment. Mainly, because the number of threats is growing at the same rate as protection solutions.
Many programs have good features, with the possibility to scan devices and look for outdated software and drives, showing the latest update.
Therefore, quality antivirus and firewall software has the power to cover any security holes. Even if there is an exploit in a version, they can still detect the threat and block it.
By knowing how to update software, we avoid most of the risks of having outdated programs. It is a simple attitude, but one that improves the performance of your device and avoids several risks.
