Government issues a high severity warning on Apple products; here’s what to do

Only a few days after the iPhone 16 series was announced, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued a high-security alert for iOS, iPadOS, as well as macOS users. CERT-In, which acts as the cyber security guardian under the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY), has issued several vulnerabilities reported with the abovementioned Apple products.

If you’re an Apple user, the exposure will put your device at risk and allow attackers to access users’ sensitive information. Worried? Here’s what you should do:

Apple high severity warning: What's there to know?

Apart from being able to access sensitive information, CERT-In warns that attackers can misuse the vulnerabilities found on Apple devices in more ways. The breach can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions on the devices, cause denial of service (DoS) conditions, bypass authentication, gain elevated privileges and perform spoofing attacks on the targeted system.

ALSO READ: macOS Sonoma: Top new features for your MacBook, Mac and iMac

Apple vulnerabilities: Who is at risk?

You will have to check the current software update on your Apple product to see if your device falls under the possible threat list. To do so, navigate to Settings and check the OS version your Apple devices, from iPhone to iPad, is currently working on.

Here is a list of versions that are potentially affected by this security transgression:

– Apple iOS versions prior to 18 and iPad OS versions prior to 18

– Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.7

– Apple macOS Ventura versions prior to 13.7

– Apple macOS Sequoia versions prior to 15

– Apple tvOS versions prior to 18

– Apple watchOS versions prior to 11

– Apple Safari versions prior to 18

– Apple Xcode versions prior to 16

– Apple visionOS versions prior to 2

Apple vulnerabilities: How to fix it

In case your device gets filtered into the threat list, there is no need to panic. CERT-In has stated that these vulnerabilities have been fixed in the latest version of the software updates provided by Apple. In order to secure your devices,  all you need to do is update your Apple products to the latest version available. You find this when you navigate to Settings > General > Software update to look for the latest update. Make sure you subscribe to Unboxed by Croma for other critical information and Apple-related news.