Make sure you download the latest iPhone security update. Apple’s most recent security update represents yet another effort to prevent the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware from gaining access.
It is recommended that individuals who possess an iPhone or iPad allocate a few moments of their time today to ensure that their device is operating on the latest software version. Recently, Apple has revealed and remedied two security vulnerabilities that, if exploited appropriately, could enable malevolent actors to execute their own code on the devices of others. Additionally, the corporation has acknowledged that there is a possibility that these concerns may have been utilized against specific individuals.
The Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto has reported the discovery of vulnerabilities that were utilized to inject the Pegasus spyware, developed by the NSO Group. The Citizen Lab’s announcement indicates that these vulnerabilities were identified during an inspection of a device belonging to an individual employed by a civil society organization based in Washington DC, with international offices. The Pegasus spyware has been employed to hack journalists, business executives, and activists, in addition to its intended use against criminal suspects and terrorists.
The aforementioned statement may evoke a sense of unease, particularly for certain individuals. However, individuals who do not fall under the category of potential targets for state-sponsored espionage need not be overly concerned. Nevertheless, the Citizen Lab strongly advocates for the installation of the update by “all users”.
How to install the update
To initiate the installation of the update, kindly access the Settings application on your iPhone or iPad and select the option labeled “Software Update.” Upon doing so, kindly observe if a new update with the version number 16.6.1 is available for your device. If it is, kindly proceed by selecting the “Download and install” option.
In the event that an individual possesses a high-profile status that necessitates heightened security measures, it may be advisable to explore the utilization of Apple’s Lockdown mode. This feature, which was initially introduced in IOS 16 last year, includes the capability to restrict certain types of message attachments, modify website loading procedures to prevent potential vulnerabilities, and prohibit individuals with whom you have not had prior contact from initiating FaceTime calls.
Apple has classified this feature as an “extreme” measure, and it is deemed excessive for the majority of users. However, according to the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, it may be effective in thwarting attacks of this nature.
What if I don’t see an update?
In the event that an update is not readily apparent, it is plausible that your mobile device has already undergone the installation process. To verify this, navigate to the Settings application and select “General,” followed by “About.” If the “iOS Version” field displays 16.6.1, then the update has been successfully installed.
It is highly probable that this scenario has transpired on your personal phone or iPad as well. Earlier this year, Apple implemented an automatic update feature as the default setting for their software updates. To ensure that new software, such as the aforementioned security patch, is installed overnight, it is imperative that your device remains connected to WiFi and is plugged in.