This article serves as a critical reminder to all Apple users; you need to update your devices as soon as possible. It isn’t the first time we’ve had to issue a warning to Apple users, and it likely won’t be the last. You don’t want to be caught off guard by not ensuring you have the latest iOS and macOS updates; not this time. Apple has made users aware of significant security threats ahead of the launch of iOS 16.
I know the tone of this article is rather serious compared to our primarily casually informative content, but this is no time for being casually informative. One look at the security notes issued for Apple device updates will make it clear that unless you want to put your device and everything contained within it at risk, you need to update your software. Here is the cliff notes version of the security notes for iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6,1, and macOS 12.5.1:
First off, the security notes detail fixes for bugs that affect the operating systems’ kernel. The kernel, for anyone who isn’t clued up about the inner working of smart devices, is essentially the core of your device that controls every procedure, every operation, and every action that your device performs.
According to Apple, this kernel, the nucleus of your entire Apple experience and everything you do with your phone and all the private information that is currently saved on your phone, is plagued with a bug. Furthermore, the security notes talk of bugs plaguing your devices’ WebKit, which opens you up to threat actors and any malicious code they may want to run on your device.
If that isn’t enough, the security notes also contain warnings for five of these crucial updates that read ‘Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.’ What this terrifying statement boils down to is that there are security vulnerabilities within your Apple device right now that threat actors are most likely already exploiting.
If you don’t see this as a massive issue, I want you to consider for a moment all the personal information that you have on your phone. You likely have passwords for various websites saved in your browser. I have no doubt you have banking utilities, investment utilities, and other apps that deal with confidential information.
You have an entire dedicated list of contacts who also use Apple devices, as well as potentially sensitive images, videos, and correspondence that you wouldn’t want out in the wider world. All of this is fair game to a dedicated threat actor. None of this information is safe unless you take the necessary precautions and update your device to the latest version.
All you need to do this is head to Settings > General > Software Update. On Mac, head to System Preferences > Software Update.
In other Apple news, the company would very much like to start pushing more ads to your phone. Is it possibly time to ditch the apple for an alternative?
