If you have an iPhone or any other Apple device, you may have to update it to the latest version of its operating system because if you do not face serious risks. This is not something that we tell you, but it has been confirmed by this important security agency and by Apple itself.
Apple itself has acknowledged that someone has exploited this vulnerability . But what is most striking to us is that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which does not respond to regular updates from Apple, has issued a statement stating that an urgent update is required.
If you don’t update your iPhone, this is what can happen
It has been the CISA, dependent on the United States Department of Homeland Security, which has warned about how dangerous it is to use your iPhone and other Apple devices if you do not update them. Not upgrading your iPhone to the latest version is a risk to your security and that of your data , although the warning refers to certain models in particular.
The security agency has added this week 4 new bugs in Apple and Microsoft products to its list of recognized exploited vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals take advantage of to make their own. Likewise, it has taken the opportunity to give federal agencies a deadline until March 7 to patch the vulnerabilities that these Apple devices include, although if you have one I recommend that you do it now.
Although for the attacker to take advantage of these vulnerabilities they must convince the user to load malware on their device , it is not very complicated. It can be done by downloading an app or by phishing attacks via SMS, fake QR codes or messaging apps. If you give them access, they could take control and do whatever they want with your device, with all the risks that this entails. Worst of all, they could have attacked you and not even noticed.
These are the affected devices
Apple’s zero-day consisting of a previously unknown vulnerability in software, designated CVE 2023-23529, was patched in the latest update to the company’s operating system, currently iOS 16.3.1. The company said on Monday that the vulnerability affects all smartphones after the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
The iPhones that require this urgent update are these:
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
Therefore, if you have an iPhone that is on this list, you should update it to the iOS 16.3.1 operating system as soon as possible if you have not done so yet. If you don’t follow this recommendation, attackers can exploit existing vulnerabilities and gain access to your personal data.
You’ll also need to do something with your Apple device, beyond the iPhone, if it’s newer than the iPad Pro or a third-generation iPad Air. These should urgently update to iPadOS 16.3.1 or macOS Ventura 13.2.1.