A Serious Apple Flaw Discovered in A Lab in Toronto
Recently, the tech giant Apple released its latest iOS update. People were quick to update their software versions, however, some of them are probably regretting doing it after several specialists issued their statements. According to experts working in a lab in Toronto, Apple’s latest update has a serious flaw that affects users’ security and personal data. In the next paragraphs of this article, we’ll share more about it, and we’ll deliver a few helpful tips that will help you keep your private information safe.
The Latest Apple Update and What’s Wrong with It
A few days ago, it was reported that a serious Apple flaw was discovered in a Toronto lab. According to the experts, the newly released security patch by the company is not secure at all. In fact, the specialists have discovered that the innovative system gives permission to some malicious software to access the particular device via a special hacking method.
The method is known as a zero-click exploit or a method that invades a user’s mobile device without them knowing. That is extremely serious and can lead to many unpleasant circumstances. The zero-click attack differs from the rest of the malicious hackers’ strikes. Unlike other digital assaults, with the zero-click iMessage exploit, a person doesn’t even have to click on a suspiciously looking link to activates the attack.
The software automatically infiltrates the device, downloading a separate software called Pegasus. The spyware was developed by NSO Group Technology – a cyber-arms company. According to previous research, once installed on a certain device, Pegasus can do certain activities, such as:
- Reading messages
- Collecting passwords
- Collecting data about bank accounts
- Tracking calls
- Tracking your location
- Accessing the camera of your smart device
As can be seen, such attacks can be incredibly harmful and can violate people’s privacy to an extreme level. The lab’s team in Toronto has focused its attention on investigating such threats and has managed to discover several problems of this kind in the past. The experts working in Citizen Lab have partnered with students who assisted them in uncovering the Apple software flaw.
How to Survive Such Hacker Attacks?
Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible for users to protect themselves from such threats. Yes, you can skip the updating of your software system and save yourself from similar attacks. However, devices that run on an older software version are more prone to bugs and a number of applications don’t run properly on them. Nevertheless, we’ve decided to deliver a few tips that may help you secure your currently in-use mobile phone.
- Don’t download apps with a low rating or limited information
- Never open suspiciously looking links
- Don’t store personal data in the form of notes or messages
One of the things you can do to protect your smartphone is to avoid installing mobile applications that have low ratings. This implies that previous users have got the app and were unsatisfied with the services provided by it. Additionally, if there is a limited amount of information regarding the app’s quality and performance, perhaps, it’d be best to pass over the installation process.
Almost every social media user has received messages from unknown individuals who, in most cases, are robots. The message usually contains a link and a short invitation text that motivates the user to click on the domain. If you want to protect your personal data, you should never click on such links.
Additionally, it’s advisable to block the respective user who sent you the message so that you won’t receive any future texts from them. A large number of people who are not familiar with such frauds are curious to find out what information the malicious website contains. Usually, such people are either children or older individuals.
It’s highly recommended to never have your passcodes, bank account numbers, or other private data stored on your smartphone in the form of notes or messages. If a hacker initiates an attack on your device, he will easily be able to collect this data and invade your personal space. Additionally, you can delete your cache and cookies regularly to minimize the risk of your data being stolen.
Will Apple Take Further Security Measures?
As mentioned, millions of Apple users were disappointed to find out about the problems associated with the latest iOS update. Fortunately, however, one of the most prominent technology companies reacted quickly and fixed the issue in a relatively small period of time. The senior researcher at Citizen Lab in Canada shared his thoughts on the case.
According to John Scott-Railton, messaging apps are the easiest to hack. He stated that the majority of smartphones have such an application installed on them, which makes the task of hackers as easy as ABC. Scott-Railton shared that infecting devices through messages is a preferred method due to the fact that cyber-terrorists can collect tons of information, including the user’s number and current location.
Apple is a company with brilliant reputations, and millions of individuals all over the world use their products. Considering how fast the developers have dealt with the issue, we can surely say that the brand values its clients and their security. It’s very likely for Apple to adopt additional actions regarding the safety of its software.
