millions of Britons are being urged to update their iPhones and other Apple devices after the tech giant confirmed the discovery of a major security flaw.
The tech giant issued software updates for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac computers to fix a newly discovered software issue, telling users that the update “provides important security updates and is recommended for all users.”
The flaw could potentially allow hackers to take full control of affected devices, cybersecurity experts said, and Apple confirmed it was “aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.”
But industry experts encouraged Apple users to “keep calm” on the matter.
If Apple thinks it’s so serious that they need to go public, then if you haven’t installed iOS 15.6.1 yet, you should go and do it right now
So far, there have been no confirmed reports of specific cases where the security flaw has been used against people or devices.
Apple’s published disclosure of the issue says it was reported to them by an anonymous researcher.
The update is available for iPhone 6s and later, all iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation ).
Mac users running macOS Monterey are also encouraged to update.
Cybersecurity experts encouraged the public to update their devices as soon as possible to protect themselves from the flaw, but also urged people not to panic.
Brian Higgins, security specialist at Comparitech, said: “It’s very rare for them to become public like this, which means everyone should take this threat seriously and update as soon as they’re able.
“If Apple thinks it’s so serious that they need to go public, then if you haven’t installed iOS 15.6.1 yet, you should go and do it now.”
Although the vulnerability could allow threat actors to take full control of a device, stay calm and simply take control of your devices and download the software updates available from Apple
Sam Curry, chief security officer at Cybereason, said: “Regardless of Apple’s recent disclosure of a serious vulnerability affecting millions of iPhones, iPads and Macs, it would be unwise for anyone to panic.
“Although the vulnerability could allow threats to take full control of a device, stay calm and simply take control of your devices and download the software updates available from Apple.”
“Do that and move on. In rare cases, we will understand how threat actors were able to exploit current vulnerabilities. In general, follow Apple’s instructions if you think you are infected, and check with your IT department at work, school, etc. if needed for more information.
“With billions of Apple devices in use around the world, security cannot be a luxury for Apple and it is not, it is a responsibility they take seriously.
“Failure is OK because nobody is perfect. Constant failure is not. Overall, Apple is a more secure platform, but they need to continue to invest and demonstrate that ongoing commitment going forward.”