If you are an iPhone user, you should perform an upgrade to the latest version of iOS 9 from settings menu right away. Apple released this latest update after a serious security breach from a software that was discovered in the Middle East. Experts in cyber security say the spyware takes advantage of undisclosed weaknesses in Apple's mobile software. If compromised, hackers can gain complete access to the user's iPhone and can read text messages, emails, collect passwords, make use of the iPhone's microphone to record sound and video camera without the user knowing. The spyware is also capable of tracing the whereabouts of the phone user. Your iPhone might not be compromised now but it stands a great chance to be infected in no distant time unless you perform the update.
How Does The Software Gain Access Into Your iPhone?
The software is able to hack into the iPhone and automatically install immediately the users visit or click on a compromised web address, which often looks like a legitimate site. Web pages of popular sites like the BBC, CNN, YouTube, Facebook, Google, and WhatsApp have already been found to be used. Açcording to Security researcher at Lookout, Mike Murray explained the huge negative impact this type of cyberattack could have had. He told Motherboard: "We realised that we were looking at something that no one had ever seen in the wild before." Literally a click on a link to jailbreak an iPhone in one step. One of the most sophisticated pieces of cyberespionagesoftware we’ve ever seen."
How Has Apple Responded To This Attack?
Apple has moved swiftly to tackle the vulnerability by releasing its latest version of iOS, iOS 9.3.5. It is described as an important security update and recommended for all users with compatible devices which include iPhones, iPod Touch and iPads.
How to Update
To update your iPhone or iPad, follow these simple steps;
• Go to Settings >> General >> Software Update
• Tap on Download and Install.
• Thats it, wait while the update is completed.
The size of the update is around 56MB so it shouldn't take too long to download if you have a good internet connection. We are expecting iOS 10 from Apple and reports claims it could be as early as next month.
