US cyber authorities have issued an urgent urging for millions of Apple users to immediately update their devices to iOS 17.6, which was released on Monday.
US Cybersecurity Authorities Urged Apple users should update their Apple devices to the latest iOS version as soon as possible to protect themselves from potential hacking threats. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has emphasized the importance of moving to iOS 17.6 without delay, citing significant security enhancements in the update. according to In the Daily Mail.
US cyber authorities have issued an urgent warning to millions of Apple users to update their iOS devices immediately. https://t.co/hPVf48PCmU pic.twitter.com/R43D0hn5Rt
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) July 30, 2024
The iOS 17.6 update includes 35 security patches to prevent hackers from accessing personal data, tracking users' locations, and seizing control of their iPhones. According to the media, the update is applicable to iPhone models released in 2018 or later, starting with the iPhone Xs series. Among the important fixes are a patch to fix a flaw in the iPhone's operating system that could cause unexpected shutdowns, and a patch to address a vulnerability that could allow applications to circumvent users' privacy settings.
Despite the imminent release of iOS 18, experts have stressed the urgency of installing the current update and warned against complacency, Daily Mail reported. Apple has confirmed vulnerabilities in the kernel, a central component of the iPhone's operating system. The first identified issue could allow cybercriminals to map the phone's memory layout, while the second issue could allow attackers to shut down the device remotely. (Related: Fact Check: No, Apple's new feature won't automatically share your name and location)
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – June 20: The Apple Inc. logo can be seen outside the new Apple Store at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Additionally, the update improves security for WebKit, the engine behind the Safari web browser. According to the Daily Mail, it adds eight fixes to prevent cross-scripting attacks that can lead users to accidentally open harmful web content. Such breaches can install malware, steal sensitive data, monitor phone activity, or trick users into revealing important personal information.
