If you own an iPhone, update it immediately. Apple has issued an urgent notice after researchers discovered a security flaw that could allow hackers to secretly install spyware on your Apple devices even if you do nothing, even if you do not click on any suspicious links.
Spyware can eavesdrop or steal data from your device. All Apple operating systems, including those for iPad, Mac and Apple Watches, are vulnerable.
Apple also published an announcement indicating that it was working to fix the problem.
"After identifying the vulnerability used by this utility for iMessage, Apple placed an adjustment in iOS 14.8 to protect our users," Ivan Krsti?, Apple's head of Security Engineering and Architecture, told USA TODAY.
He added that "these types of attacks are very sophisticated, costing millions of dollars", but also said that this threat will not affect the vast majority of users.
However, although it is unlikely that hackers will target the average user, every Apple device is vulnerable and the iOS update is recommended for everyone.
Update iPhone and iPad to iOS 14.8, Mac to 11.6 and Apple Watches to 7.6.2.
How to update:
- Go to "Settings".
- Then to "General".
- Click on "Software Update"
- Make sure the phone has over 50% charge, or set it to charge during the update.
- Click "Install Now".
