If you use an Apple Watch, iPhone, or iPad, it is time to make sure you download and install the latest operating system update, such as The tech giant has just fixed a rather serious security vulnerability.
And Apple confirmed in its statement that it is “aware of a report stating that this problem may have been effectively exploited.”
This means that the security vulnerability may have been discovered and exploited by hackers, hence the urgent need for a security patch.
As mentioned in Apple’s patch notes, the exploit was discovered by Google’s Project Zero team and affecting WebKit, the browser engine Apple uses for Safari.
For iPhone and iPad users, this will move the OS to version 14.4.2 (before the next iOS 14.5 release) and Apple Watch OS version to 7.3.3.
For most users, this update will come automatically, but if you check the OS version of your device and notice that it doesn’t match the above, you should manually update your device to the latest version via Settings -> General -> Software Update.
Apple has provided a list of compatible devices:
- iPhone 6s and later
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air 2 and later
- The fifth generation of iPad and later
- iPad mini 4 and later
- iPod touch (7th generation)
- Apple Watch Series 3 and consecutive version
Although only a small percentage of the vulnerabilities are actually exploited, it is always best to apply security patches as soon as they are available so that hackers don’t have a chance to take advantage of them.
