iPhone users should upgrade their device to latest version, Know why

Apple iPhone users have been warned about several high-risk security flaws that pose a threat to their devices and can steal confidential data. The warning has been issued by the Indian government for several iPhone models, and has advised them to update their devices to the latest version of iOS software update.

Center warning for Apple iPhone users

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high-risk security warning against multiple vulnerabilities found in Apple iPhone models. According to the warning, the hackers can exploit these security-related vulnerabilities to get access to sensitive information, launch denial of service (DoS), and execute arbitrary codes on the device.

Apple software affected by vulnerabilities 

The vulnerabilities affect a range of Apple products including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Watches. Here is the list of Apple software affected by the vulnerabilities.

The iPhones with iOS versions before 17.2 and 16.7.3 while iPads with iPadOS versions before 17.2 and 16.7.3 are affected. Meanwhile, the Apple Macs with macOS Sonoma versions before 14.2, before 12.7.2 Monterey versions, and 13.6.3 older Ventura versions. The vulnerabilities affect Apple TV, Watch, and Safari users with older versions before 17.2 tvOS, 10.2 watchOS, and 17.2 Safari.

What are the risks?

The multiple vulnerabilities found will let the cyber criminals or hackers perform the following malicious activities:

Steal sensitive data: Hackers can take advantage of these vulnerabilities to get access to sensitive information like user’s personal data, passwords, photos, or records of financial transactions or stored bank account details.
Gain elevated privileges: Hackers could escalate their access level.
Take control of your devices: They can take over your phone by bypassing authentication and installing malicious codes containing malware, and use it for nefarious activities.
Disrupt services: They can also execute DoS attacks which might leave your device inaccessible or unusable.
Bypass security restrictions: They can gain access to your device by bypassing the security restrictions of the iPhone or other Apple devices.
What safety measures should be taken?

To stay safe from hackers, the CERT-In has advised the Apple iPhone users or the iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch users running the mentioned version to update their software to the latest as soon as possible.

Here are a few safety measures you can take:

Update your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch to the latest software with the security patches. Note that the CVE-2023-42916 and CVE-2023-42917 are actively being exploited.

Set two-factor authentication and a strong password for your Apple device.

You can manually download the software update or enable automatic updates to get future security patches immediately after they get rolled out.

Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments as they could lead to the use of these vulnerabilities.

Also Read: Indian Government Issues ‘High-Risk’ Warning For Samsung Phone Users