Apple is warning iPhone owners to install a free update TODAY to fix the hacker bug
APPLE has released a major security update that millions of iPhone owners need to install to protect themselves from hackers.
The tech giant hasn’t provided much more information about the update other than the fact that your phone needs to install it urgently.
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Apple is currently withholding details about the iOS 17.4 update to give as many iPhone users as possible the opportunity to update their phones – before hackers get their hands on information.
What the company has revealed so far is that hackers have taken advantage of a flaw in the “Kernel” in the iPhone operating system.
Apple revealed: “An attacker with arbitrary kernel read and write capabilities could potentially bypass kernel memory security.
“Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited.”
However, users of older devices don’t have to worry too much as Apple claims to have been able to fix this issue in iOS 16.7.6.
Another security issue that Apple was able to fix in their latest update is a bug in their RTKit.
This framework is used on most newer Apple devices, including their AirPods, Siri Remote, Apple Pencil 2, and Smart Keyboard Folio.
According to Apple, this flaw could also allow a hacker to overwrite and bypass memory protections.
Once again, Apple has said it has received a report that it is being exploited.
Unfortunately, only iPhone users who update their phone to iOS 17.4 can fix this problem.
Head of application security at Featurespace Sean Wright said the combination of the above two issues could compromise the security of your entire iPhone.
However, Wright added that it would be extremely difficult to successfully carry out such an attack.
He said: “Attackers should attempt to trick the victim into installing a malicious application or exploiting a previous vulnerability that has not yet been patched.”
Other new features in the iOS 17.4 update include changes to security against stolen devices, allowing for a security delay in all locations.
It also includes a PQ3 messaging protocol added to iMessage.
The protocol is thought to improve the security and privacy of your messages by anticipating future security threats such as quantum-based attacks.
It comes after Apple users realized that an unknown iOS 17 feature could save tons of storage space on their iPhones.
One iOS 17 feature automatically removes verification codes in iMessage and Mail after users use the AutoFill feature.
Receiving verification codes sent to your iPhone can provide an extra layer of security for all your accounts, but they can also pile up and take up your storage space if you’re not careful.