iPhone users urged to check Settings after Apple spots ‘critical’ security flaws

APPLE has fixed two ‘critical’ security flaws – one of which was used to target iPhone owners with spyware through their iMessages.

Customers across the globe have been urged to check their Settings for an update, and install it immediately.

1

Cyber security expert at Kaspersky, Boris Larin, wrote on Twitter last night that Apple had patched up the flaws after his team discovered the iMessage attacks.

He added: “Update your iOS/iPadOS/macOS/watchOS now!”

The iMessage attacks, also known as the Triangulation attacks, began in 2019 and are still ongoing, Kaspersky reported.

According to Kaspersky, the cyber flaw had allegedly been used in geopolitical cyberwarfare between the US and Russia.

Apple has denied any involvement in this claim.

The second ‘critical’ vulnerability allowed web pages with malware to take over devices and run any command they want to on the targeted iPhone.

Apple has acknowledged that both issues may have been actively taken advantage of by hackers.

However, the update that patches these vulnerabilities for users is now available for those with an iPhone 8 and later.

The update is also available for iPad owners with these models: iPad Pro, iPad Air 3rd gen and later, iPad 5th gen and later and the iPad mini 5th gen and beyond.

The issue primarily affects older iPhone models, including all iPhone 6s, the iPhone 7, and the first generation iPhone SE.

However, these devices have been excluded from the update, as they are too old to support it.

So, it may be time to get a newer device to ensure youre proected.

To update your device, simply open Settings > General > Software Update.

Look out an update titled: iOS 16.5.1 or iPadOS 16.5.1 and hit Install.

Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]