Apple urge users to do this after hackers "exploit" security flaw and gain control of devices
Apple has sent out an urgent warning to those using its devices – which include iPhones, iPads and MacBooks – after hackers were able to "exploit" a security flaw.
Earlier this week, the tech giant said it was "aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited" and urged users to update their device to the newest iOS model. "Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security," Apple said on its security page.
The security breach can "effectively give attackers full access to devices" and "execute any code as if they are you, the user," Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security, said on Twitter.
As for who should be most concerned about the potential risk, Tobac warned that "people who are in the public eye" such as activists or journalists, should update their device as soon as possible to ensure they're protected.
"For most folks: update software by end of day," she tweeted. "If threat model is elevated (journalist, activists, targeted by nation states, etc): update now."
Apple are well known for keeping issues such as this on the down-low unless absolutely necessary and their security page tells users that: "For our customers' protection, Apple doesn't disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available."
In this instance, Apple did not reveal in the reports how, where or by whom the security vulnerabilities were discovered, simply citing an anonymous researcher.
Specific devices that have been affected by this security flaw are the iPhone 6S and later models; a number of iPad models (including the 5th generation and later as well as all iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 2); and Mac computers running MacOS Monterey. The flaw has also affected some iPod models.
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