iPhone users have been urged to update their smartphones immediately.
Apple has released its latest iOS 18.1.1 update, which contains “important security fixes.”
In a post on its security website, the tech giant says the update fixes two vulnerabilities that have already been “actively exploited” by hackers.
According to security experts, these bugs could be used to remotely compromise a user’s device and even gain access to their online accounts.
While security weaknesses have only been exploited on Macs so far, waiting too long could leave your iPhone vulnerable to being hacked.
Michael Covington, vice president of strategy at cybersecurity firm Jamf, says: “The fixes provided by Apple introduce stronger controls to detect and prevent malicious activity, as well as improve how devices manage and track data during web browsing. “.
“Given that attackers can exploit both vulnerabilities, it is critical that mobile users and organizations apply the latest patches as soon as they can.”
Here we explain how you can keep your iPhone updated with the latest security patch.
iPhone users have been warned to update their phones as soon as possible as Apple releases iOS 18.1.1 update (file image)
Apple released the latest wave of updates for iOS and iPadOS last night.
This patch does not bring any new content but addresses two serious security issues identified by the Google Threat Analysis Group.
The first is a bug in ‘JavaScriptCore’, a framework used by the iPhone to run applications in web browsers.
Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, told MailOnline: ‘The first issue fixed in iOS 18.1.1 is a flaw that could result in remote takeover of a device if the user unknowingly interacts with maliciously crafted web content. .
“The JavaScriptCore vulnerability could allow attackers to remotely write code on victims’ devices, meaning they could redirect users to malicious websites that look genuine, or even gain access to their online accounts by stealing what “It’s called session tokens.”
The second is a flaw in the Webkit engine that is used as the basis for applications such as Safari, Mail and the App Store.
Moore says: “If exploited, it could expose users to a type of attack that would allow an attacker to place malicious code on a trusted website or application.”
The worrying thing is that, due to how Apple forces all browsers on its devices to use the same Webkit, this vulnerability could affect all browsers in the technology giant’s ecosystem, not just Safari.
The update (pictured) provides “important security fixes” for two issues that Apple says have already been exploited by hackers.
However, Apple is staying tight-lipped about what exactly the patch changes to avoid revealing anything while people download the update.
In a statement, Apple says: “Apple is aware of a report indicating that this issue may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems.”
This means that hackers have already been exploiting these weaknesses in the wild to get into some Mac devices, so it is extremely important that you update your devices as soon as possible.
Apple’s iOS 18.1.1 is available for Phone later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
To update your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and navigate to the tab marked “General.”
From there, tap “Software Update” and wait a few seconds while your phone checks for new updates.
If iOS 18.1.1 is available, it should appear on the screen where you can tap “Install now” to get started.
If the option says “Download and install,” tap it to download the update, enter your password, and then tap Install now.
Experts say these security flaws allow attackers to remotely write code on victims’ devices, meaning they could redirect users to malicious websites that look genuine or access their accounts (file image) .
Alternatively, you can also set future updates to be installed automatically by going to Settings, General, Software Updates and selecting the tab marked “Automatic Updates.”
Simply set iOS updates to install and download automatically to ensure you always have the latest software.
On Mac, select the Apple menu in the corner of the screen and choose “System Settings.”
Click the “General” tab in the sidebar of the window that opens, and then select “Software Update” on the right.
If new software is available, you can select ‘Update’ or ‘Upgrade’ and enter your administrator password to begin the installation.
Your computer may restart several times during this process, so don’t be alarmed if the screen goes blank at any point.
iOS 18.1 brought some of Apple’s first long-awaited Apple Intelligence features to the iPhone.
These include smart writing tools that can help you proofread, rewrite, and summarize text anywhere you can type words, such as Mail, Notes, Messages, and other apps.
Apple also released an update for MacOS Sequoia 15.1.1 that faces the same security issues. To update, open Settings, General, Software Update and choose ‘Update now’.
However, the update was also plagued with issues, such as Apple fans reporting poor battery life after downloading the software.
In another strange bug, some iPhone users also say their devices display older adult content at unwanted times when they hold their phones a certain way.
This despite your best efforts to clear your browser’s history, tabs, and cookies, even after ensuring you view risqué content only in “incognito mode.”
While the bug was reported in previous software versions, its resurgence could be related to issues with the iOS 18.1 update.