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Apple User Security Alert: Government Issues ‘High Risk’ Warning for Several Devices; See Full List

Posted on by darion

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a serious warning about critical security flaws in Apple products. The August 2 advisory flagged high-risk security issues in various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other products.

Apple Security Alert: Vulnerable Software Versions

The vulnerabilities affect several versions of Apple software:

  • iOS and iPadOS: versions earlier than 17.6 and 16.7.9
  • macOS: versions earlier than 14.6 (Sonoma), 13.6.8 (Ventura), and 12.7.6 (Monterey)
  • watchOS: versions earlier than 10.6
  • tvOS: versions earlier than 17.6
  • visionOS: versions earlier than 1.3
  • Safari: versions older than 17.6

CERT-In highlighted that these vulnerabilities could allow attackers to access sensitive information, execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, cause denial of service (DoS), and conduct spoofing attacks. The severity of these vulnerabilities was described as “high” in the warning.

Apple Security Alert: Immediate Update Required

CERT-In urges all Apple users to immediately install the latest software updates provided by Apple to resolve these vulnerabilities and mitigate potential threats. The advisory emphasizes the critical nature of these vulnerabilities and the need for immediate action to protect against possible attacks.

Apple Security Alert: Spyware Alert

In addition to the vulnerabilities, Apple is warning users about potential “spyware for hire” attacks similar to the Pegasus spyware. These alerts, sent to users in more than 150 countries, including India, are designed to warn of advanced spyware threats targeting iPhones. Celebrities including Iltija Mufti, media advisor and daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, and Pushparaj Deshpande, founder of the Samruddha Bharat Foundation, have reported receiving these warnings.

Apple Security Alert: Government and business responses

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Apple are yet to respond to queries on these issues. CERT-In continues to monitor the situation and advises users to stay updated with the latest security updates. The central government’s warning highlights the high risk posed by these vulnerabilities and urges users to take immediate steps to secure their devices.