The software was able to get past Apple’s rule that only approved software may run on the device by exploiting iOS flaws to “jailbreak” the device. If you have any other number listed, you’ll have to update.
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Apple said it “immediately fixed” a new breed of security vulnerability in iOS after security researchers contacted the tech giant about the issue and Apple is now urging iPhone and iPad users to update their devices’ iOS software to receive the security patch. It would have linked to a chain of what’s known as “zero-day” exploitations in the phone’s system – vulnerabilities that would be shared by all iphones.
Mr Mansoor, who has been targeted…
Though Trident and the type of malware NSO sells (called “Pegasus”) is mainly used by governments to target dissidents, activists and journalists in volatile countries like United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Kenya, Mozambique, Yemen and Turkey, it can be used to target any iOS device. At this time it appears none of the users have accessed infected links, so official Pegasus attacks have not been launched.
Once installed, the malware, allegedly created by Israeli firm NSO Group, collects information from apps including Gmail, Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, Calendar, FaceTime, and can also activate the iPhone’s camera and microphone to listen in on conversations.
Apple Inc issued a patch on Thursday to fix a unsafe security flaw in iPhones and iPads after researchers discovered that a prominent United Arab Emirates dissident’s phone had been targeted with a previously unknown method of hacking.
One of the benefits of iOS is its tightly-integrated software and hardware.
The analysis, which looked at data collected from millions of iOS and Android devices, states that iOS updates 9.3.1 and 9.3.2 released in April and May could be the culprit for Apple products being extra fussy. This makes it extremely challenging for phone makers to test and release updates to plug up risky security holes quickly. NSO marketing material says that it also has capabilities for Android and BlackBerry devices. “We advise all of our customers to always download the latest version of iOS to protect themselves against potential security exploits”. Lookout believes the malware has existed since iOS 7.
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While no platform will ever be be truly secure, updating to the latest version of your phone’s software is the best way to remain safe.
