Owners urged to update Apple devices quickly but ‘stay calm’ over
security flaw
MARTYN LANDI, PA TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT
People are being urged to update their iPhones and other Apple devices
after the technology giant confirmed the discovery of a major security flaw.
The technology giant has issued software updates for the iPhone, iPad,
Apple Watch and Mac computers to fix a newly uncovered software issue,
telling users the update “provides important security updates and is
recommended for all users”.
The flaw could potentially allow hackers to take complete control of
affected devices, cybersecurity experts said, and Apple confirmed that
it was “aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited”.
iPhone users can update their phone by going to the device's settings
and selecting software update under the 'general' tab.
Industry experts have encouraged Apple users to “stay calm” on the issue.
There have so far been no confirmed reports of specific cases where the
security flaw had been used against people or devices.
Apple’s published disclosure of the issue said it was reported to them
by an anonymous researcher.
The update has been made available to the iPhone 6s and later, all
models of the iPad Pro, the iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation
and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and the iPod touch (7th generation).
Mac users running macOS Monterey are also being encouraged to update.
Cybersecurity experts have encouraged the public to update their devices
as soon as possible to protect themselves against the flaw, but also
urged people not to panic.
Brian Higgins, security specialist at Comparitech, said: “It’s very rare
for them to go public like this, which means everyone should take this
threat seriously and update as soon as they are able.
“If Apple think it’s so serious that they need to go public, then if you
haven’t already installed iOS 15.6.1 you need to go and do it right now.”
While the vulnerability could allow threat actors to take full control
of a device, stay calm and simply get control of your devices and
download the software updates available from Apple
Sam Curry, chief security officer at Cybereason, said: “Regardless of
Apple’s recent disclosure of a serious vulnerability affecting millions
of iPhones, iPads and Macs, it wouldn’t be prudent for anyone to panic.
“While the vulnerability could allow threat actors to take full control
of a device, stay calm and simply get control of your devices and
download the software updates available from Apple.
“Do that and move on. In a rare case, we will find out how threat actors
were able to exploit the current vulnerabilities. Overall, follow Apple
instructions if you think you are infected and consult your IT
department at work, school, etc, as needed for more information.
“With billions of Apple devices in use around the world, security can’t
be a luxury for Apple and it’s not, it’s a responsibility they take
seriously.
“Failing is OK as no-one is perfect. Failing consistently is not.
Generally, Apple is a more secure platform, but they must continue to
invest and demonstrate that continued commitment going forward.”
Irish Examinerr
===========================================================
The fb-exchange mailing list
Manage account,
List Page: https://www.freelists.org/list/fb-exchange
Subscribe: mailto:fb-exchange-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?Subject=subscribe
Unsubscribe: mailto:fb-exchange-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?Subject=unsubscribe
Archive: https://www.freelists.org/archive/fb-exchange
Administrative contact: insight@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
===========================================================
