Everything you need to know to fix Apple security flaws

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Updates have been made available for affected devices including iPhone 6s and later models.

The An apple Beware of serious security vulnerabilities in IphoneAnd the IPAD And the Mac This could allow hackers to take full control of devices and may have been “actively exploited”, and require customers to update their devices as soon as possible in a rare admission from the tech giant that prides itself on its security measures.

Important facts

Apple released two surprise software updates last Wednesday to fix major security holes it says could allow hackers to take full control of users’ devices.

Updates have been made available for affected devices including iPhone 6s and later, all iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, iPod touch 7th generation, and Mac computers that Running macOS Monterey.

Security experts urged affected users to quickly update software to fix bugs and protect their devices.

To update the software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch – iOS 15.6.1 or iPadOS 15.6.1 – go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update and Download and Install.

To update a Mac with macOS Monterey, go to System Preferences, then Software Update and click Update Now.

Apple did not disclose how many people were affected by the vulnerabilities, but said it was aware of credible reports that both were “actively exploited”.

What we don’t know

How were the vulnerabilities discovered? Apple has provided few details about how it realized the flaws or who made the discoveries, and has given credit to the anonymous researchers. So far, there have been no confirmed reports of cases where vulnerabilities have been used against users or their devices. Apple said in its security reports, that it does not disclose, discuss or confirm any security issues until an investigation is conducted and patches are available.

main background

Vulnerabilities discovered before the product, in this case Apple, is aware of them are known as zero-day vulnerabilities, indicating that the creator has a zero-day notice to combat them. These flaws can be very valuable and both hackers and sellers will pay large sums of money to get them. While serious flaws have been exploited to spy on users via smartphones – the Israeli company NSO Group allegedly hacked prominent journalists and world leaders – it is generally aimed at high-ranking individuals rather than the general public.