Apple has issued an urgent update to its iOS and macOS operating systems, and is advising users to download them immediately. The updates fix a vulnerability that would allow malicious actors to infiltrate a user's phone or computer, even if they never click a single link.
What to Know About the Vulnerability:
The flaw allows bad actors to take control of a device by sending a message through iMessage, and hacking through a flaw centered on how Apple processes images. This is known as a "zero-click" exploit.
The vulnerability has been used to send out the Pegasus spyware, according to University of Toronto's Citizen Lab researchers. The spyware has been used to monitor journalists and human rights activists around the world.
What Devices Are Affected?
iPhone 6s and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 2 and later, iPad 5th generation and later, iPad mini 4 and later, and iPod touch (7th generation)
Mac computers running Big Sur 11.5 or earlier
What To Do About This?
If your device has an update available, update immediately. Here's how:
Mobile Devices: Go to Settings > General > Software Update (Download and Install iOS 14.8 or iPadOS 14.8)
Mac Computers running Big Sur: After ensuring your computer is backed up: - In the Apple menu in the corner of the screen, click System Preferences - Next, click Software Update - Lastly, Click Update Now or Upgrade Now to update to macOS 11.6
As always, if you have any questions, please let us know by emailing us at ask@BlackCloak.io. We are happy to help!
