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Apple has disclosed a serious security threat, according to experts. The company issued an update to its software that affects iPhones and iPads. It also affected Apple Watches and Mac computers. In addition, the company has warned users to check their devices for updates.
The bug was detected this week by Israeli security firm CheckMate which was awarded $1 million from Apple as part of its bug bounty program. The bug allowed hackers to access private information on devices through third-party applications such as WhatsApp messenger, Telegram, and Signal messenger.
In a statement sent to media outlets, Apple said: “We are aware of a public report issued today claiming that a security vulnerability exists in the macOS High Sierra operating system. We take user privacy very seriously and protect it with strong encryption standards.”
It added: “We are working on a software update to protect our customers who use these products today but we are not yet offering them as an option in our store.”
Apple has patched the vulnerability, but there are still some devices running outdated versions of the operating system. To update your device, you can do so manually by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If you're using a Mac with macOS High Sierra or later, you can simply click on "Update Now" at the bottom of your screen when prompted.
If you don't see the option to update automatically or manually, you'll need to update manually by plugging in your device with a USB-C cable (the one that connects your iPhone XS or XR), connecting it to iTunes on your computer and waiting for it to prompt you for permission before proceeding with the installation.
Apple has been hit with a serious security threat, with experts warning that iOS devices, Macs, and iPads are vulnerable to hacks that could allow hackers to access your personal data. Apple announced the issue in a statement on Monday morning, saying it was aware of the issue and had already begun working on a fix.
EVERY APPLE USER TRUSTS THE BRAND
"The security of our customer's personal data is extremely important to us," Apple said in a statement. "We are actively working on a fix for an issue that affects iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPad, and other products." The company said it was working with law enforcement and other companies to investigate the problem.
"We take this matter very seriously and we want to assure our customers that at this point we believe our customers are not at risk," Apple said in its statement. "We continue to encourage everyone to sign up for updates from Apple so they can stay protected." Apple typically issues security updates for its products every few months after they launch. The company typically waits until after users have had time to install them before issuing them publicly, so companies can test the updates before allowing their employees access to updated software.
The company released an initial update on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET and will issue another update on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET, the same time frame it did the first time around
Apple said the issue affects all of its devices that use 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, including laptops running Windows 7 or later, Macs running OS X Yosemite or later, and iPhones running iOS 11 or later.
It's also not just about marketing and PR. Apple has a strong design sensibility that influences other companies, such as Google and Facebook. The company's software is used by millions of people every day, which means your app will be used by a lot of people too.
And don't forget that Apple owns several successful hardware companies like Beats Electronics and PPG Industries (which makes paint).
