Users urged to install latest updates to fix security weakness in Apple Watch, iPhones and iPads
The security update addresses a weakness that could allow hackers to gain access to sensitive information.PHOTO: REUTERS
SINGAPORE - Users of Apple products, including its TV boxes, need to update their devices to prevent hackers from gaining access to them.
In an advisory on Jan 28, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore said the latest updates by the California-based tech giant are aimed at getting users to address a weakness that could allow a "malicious application to elevate privileges".
This means that unless the loopholes are fixed, hackers can access sensitive information stored on the devices, as well as install malware without the user knowing.
These are the products at risk:
- iPhone XS and later
- iPad Pro 13-inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (7th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
- Macs running macOS Sequoia
- Apple TV HD
- Apple TV 4K
- Apple Vision Pro
- Apple Watch Series 6 and later
According to tech media outlet Bleeping Computer, the update addresses the first "zero-day" vulnerability in Apple products for 2025.
A zero-day vulnerability is a security weakness that is unknown to the software provider and can be exploited by attackers. In this case, the weakness is believed to have already been made use of by hackers.
In 2024, Apple patched six zero-day vulnerabilities, and 20 the year before, including one that allowed hackers to install the Pegasus spyware on devices without the user's knowledge.
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Through the use of the spyware, the hackers were able to open up unfettered access to devices, as well as record conversations made on, or near the devices, among other things.
- Aqil Hamzah is a journalist covering breaking news at The Straits Times, with interests in crime and technology.
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