Govt warns iPhone, iPad and Mac users in India over security threat

Before the much-hyped launch of iPhone 16, reportedly in September 2024, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, or CERT-In, has issued a “severe” warning to all users of iPhones, iPads and Macs. The warning talks of multiple vulnerabilities that expose Apple devices to risks such as information leak, security bypass, spoofing attack, illegal code execution and Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

“Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Apple products which could allow an attacker to access sensitive information, execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, cause denial of service (DoS) and perform spoofing attacks on the targeted system,” the new advisory from CERT-In said.

CHECK NOTIFICATIONS

CERT-In has advised all Apple users to install necessary updates that are provided by the company on their gadgets.

While Apple is yet to officially ratify the security threats, India is among 150 nations where the company has been sending alerts about mercenary spyware attacks that are said to be somewhat like the Pegasus spyware onslaught a few years ago.

Apple usually sends notification of threats to users who may be potential victims by updating the concerned persons about the threat and also guiding them about protection from malware. Apple devices also have the lockdown mode feature, which restricts functioning in order to enhance protection.

UPDATES IN DANGER

Among Apple software updates identified as being vulnerable to the cyber threats are iOS and iPadOS versions for iPhones and iPads that belong prior to 16.7.9 and 17.6. That apart, Safari versions prior to 17.6 are at risk, too.

Mac users have been warned about risks in macOS Monterey versions that are prior to 12.7.6, macOS Ventura versions that are prior to 13.6.8, and macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.6, while watchOS versions prior to 10.6, visionOS versions prior to 1.3 and tvOS versions prior to 17.6 face vulnerabilities, too.