Apple confirms zero-day threats in operating software connected to spyware, offers patches
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Two new major security vulnerabilities have been discovered in Apple device software that could allow spyware to be installed and activated.
In fact, at least one Washington DC victim was found to have been actively exploited with an exposure in Apple’s operating software. According to researchers at the Citizen Lab from the University of Toronto, the threat allowed some of the world's most invasive spying technology, NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware onto an iPhone
Spyware access on an Apple device confirmed
Citizen Lab uncovered that the recent version of Apple’s mobile software iOS 16.6 allowed a bad actor to compromise iPhones without any interaction from the victim. Apple confirms this serious security gaff in their note provided about the updated software fix.
About the impact of the pair of threats, Apple stated, "Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution". They also issued a similar warning regarding attachments, stating, "A maliciously crafted attachment may result in arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited."
Read on for instructions on updating your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch software. (BRITTANY HOSEA-SMALL/AFP via Getty Images, File)
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Update Mac, iPhone and iPad software ASAP
It's important that you get your device patched ASAP. Don’t wait for an automatic software update for Apple devices. Instead, immediately download and update the latest software directly from Apple and not another source.
MAC SOFTWARE UPDATE
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow on-screen instructions
IPHONE AND IPAD UPDATE
- Back up your device using iCloud or your computer
- Plug iPhone or iPad into power and connect to WiFi
- Go to Settings > General > tap Software Update > tap Install Now
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APPLE WATCHOS UPDATE
- Launch the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
- Tap My Watch > go to General > Software Update then tap update and install
Alternatively, you can tap the Settings icon on your Apple Watch > tap General > then Software Update
Apple, like many tech companies, is seeing more attacks and vulnerabilities in its devices in recent months. Americans are now the most widely targeted people by cybercriminals in the world.
That's why it pays to protect all of your devices including computers, tablets, and phones by using strong antivirus protection that can often intercept and neutralize known threats before they have a chance to allow trouble to reach you.
See my review of 2023 Best Antivirus Protection to discover what might be right for you and those you love. Using technology without protection is like getting into a car without wearing a seatbelt when an accident is right around the corner.
In the meantime, share this urgent warning with friends, family, and loved ones so they can get protected without delay.
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Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
