Apple security issues: How to protect your device

iPhone users are mocking Apple, with some jokingly claiming the latest update “slows down devices” and is a ploy to make more money.

iPhone users are mocking Apple, with some jokingly claiming the latest update “slows down devices” and is a ploy to make people buy the upcoming new model.

Apple recently put an out urgent security warning that a flaw could allow hackers to take complete control of an iPhone. iPhone owners were told to install the latest iOS update.

But some users reacted online, questioning whether the patch would slow down the phones.

“Is this the software update that will slow down our operating system?” one wrote.

“Yes, time to push that f***ing update and slow down every one. Yearly refresh cycle is near now that new iPhone is coming,” another wrote, the Daily Mail reported.

“Apple make me die, apparently there is a serious security issue with all iPhones, that is unless of course you buy the new iPhone 14 coming next month,” another use wrote.

But expert Tom Davison said the patch would have almost no impact on battery life and the impact of “minor security” updates should “generally be non-existent or negligible.”

Security vulnerabilities

To deal with the security vulnerabilities, Apple is urging iPhone, iPad and Mac users to download the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and Safari.

Apple issued the stark warning to users on Friday, and released a new iOS 15.6.1, iPadOS 15.6.1 and macOS Monterey 12.5.1 update on Thursday night to fix the problem.

While Apple confirmed the security flaw had been “actively exploited” by hackers, they didn’t reveal the extent of the issue.

Below is a roundup of everything you need to know, according to Fox Business.

The warning applies to iPhones, iPads and Mac devices.

What are the issues with Apple devices?

According to Apple, the first issue may cause an application to execute arbitrary code with “kernel privileges,” which refers to a discrete right to perform an operation.

Meanwhile, the second issue may cause WebKit, a layout engine designed to allow web browsers to render web pages, to process “maliciously crafted web content” that could lead to arbitrary code execution.

The issues could allow a potential attacker to take complete control of the devices, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Apple is urging users to update their devices. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Which Apple devices should be updated?

The updates are available for the iPhone 6s and later, all models of the iPad Pro, the iPad Air 2 and later, the iPad 5th generation and later, the iPad Mini 4 and later, and the iPod Touch (7th generation).

Updates are also available for Macs running OS Monterey, macOS Big Sur and macOS Catalina.

The latest software versions are iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1, MacOS Monterey 12.5.1 and Safari 15.6.1.

How to update to the latest software version

Apple users can update their iPhones and iPads by going to Settings > General > Software Update and their Macs by going to System Preferences > Software Update.

- with Lucas Manfredi, FOXBusiness