Warning for iPhone Users: Here’s Why to Update Your OS ASAP
Here's a piece of good advice if you have an iPhone. If you haven't done it yet, update your operating system ASAP. Apple issued their version of a Hacker Alert on Tuesday because of flaws in the operating system's previous security update.
Apple released a handful of new security patches and the company is now strongly encouraging its iPhone and iPad customers to update to the new version of their operating system right away.
The reason behind the warning is that hackers may have found holes in the operating system's previous security update, and those flaws "may have been actively exploited.”
The company said there are three security issues.
Two involve WebKit, an open-source engine for Safari and iOS browsers, in which “a remote attacker may be able to cause arbitrary code execution.”
Also part of the update: fixes for slow keyboards and a fix that allows cameras to read smaller QR codes. The "Fitness" widget also gets a revamp.
An "anonymous researcher" discovered the issue.
Katie Moussouris, CEO and founder of Luta Security told CBS News that such vulnerabilities could lead to some scary outcomes—like a hacker being able to literally control your device.
"You've zombified that device. You are controlling it from a distance. Your regular web browsing may cause you to be held compromised, without having to do really much of anything else."
Also part of the update: fixes for slow keyboards and a fix that allows cameras to read smaller QR codes. The "Fitness" widget also gets a revamp.
Read the guidance here.
The update is for iOS 14.4. To get the download, go to settings, then general, then software update, USA Today reported.