A MASSIVE security flaw has been flagged by Apple experts, meaning an update to your devices is necessary to avoid hackers getting access to your personal information.
Apple recently found out that their iPhones, iPads, and iMacs in particular have become vulnerable to a specific type of intrusion.
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What is referred to as “zero-day software flaws” may give hackers complete control of Apple devices, Daily Mail reports.
Hackers are theoretically able to do anything from reading messages, viewing a contacts list, tracking location, and even getting access to the microphone and camera.
However, there are at least seven other things users can do along with the software update to protect themselves against hackers.
1. Update your devices
So far, Apple urges that the best way to avoid any issues is for users to get the latest software updates on their devices. Below are what the correct updates should be to avoid any issues:
- iOS and iPadOS: 15.6.1
- MacOS: 12.5.1
- tvOS: 15.6
- watchOS for Series 3: 8.7.1
- watchOS for Series 4, 5, SE, 6, and 7: 8.7
2. Don’t click on shady links
Your iPhone can easily be hacked through bad links sent through messaging, email, or otherwise.
If a particular link seems shady or suspicious, given that it’s from a phone number or an email you don’t know, definitely avoid clicking on it.
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A good way to avoid this kind of thing easily is by not connecting to password-free wifi, per Business Insider.
“Try to avoid connecting to a password-free public Wi-Fi network, which opens the possibility of a hacker accessing unencrypted traffic on your device or redirecting you to a fraudulent site to access login credentials,” they say.
3. Avoid downloading sketchy applications
Although Apple has a process of screening any apps before they are available for download on the App Store, this doesn’t mean that those with hacker software can’t still break through sometimes.
Washington University Computer Security and Privacy Laboratory leader Ning Zhang says that this can often be seen with free wallpaper and flashlight applications.
The rule of thumb is, that if they ask for your location, any contact info, or want access to your camera, that’s likely a huge red flag.
4. It’s time to stop jailbreaking your iPhone
The idea of jailbreaking in the first place is to remove some restrictive software that Apple’s iOS has in the first place to be able to have more freedom.
This may sound ideal to some, but it subsequently opens users up to many potential vulnerabilities to hackers.
It is even more possible to download incompatible spyware or malware apps on a jailbroken phone, per Business Insider.
Sometimes, hackers can even take over a phone remotely this way, too.
5. Be wary of targeted attacks
Matthew Green, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Internet Security Institute, says only specific kinds of people will be targeted for remote hacks, like journalists and/or activists.
This type of hack is particularly hard to detect according to Green, as hackers can find the most minute flaws in Apple software or even send invisible messages.
This often creates more “zero-day” exploits again, which make the best reaction updating your device’s software for more security measures.
However, this kind of hack rarely happens to the average user.
6. Intimate partners can attack your software
It isn’t very uncommon for an abusive partner in a relationship to sabotage the other’s device by downloading malware or spyware.
All they really have to do is know your password, and obviously have physical access to your device.
This is more prevalent than it may seem, and the best way to notice if this has happened is by checking for applications that you don’t remember downloading on your home screen.
7. Create really strong passwords
Lastly, and arguably most importantly aside from updating your software, a strong password is necessary to protect against hackers.
Turning on Apple’s two-factor identification feature is a great way to start according to Business Insider.
Not to mention, with Face-ID and other security measures, this is getting more secure.
It’s also time to make sure you have a password on your lock screen.
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