Govt issues high-risk alert for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users in India: Is your device safe?

Indian Apple users are facing a serious cybersecurity alert, as the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high-risk advisory concerning multiple Apple devices. According to the national cybersecurity agency, several Apple operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and Safari, contain critical vulnerabilities that can expose users to unauthorised access, data breaches, and even system lockouts.

Which devices are at risk?

CERT-In’s advisory targets a range of Apple devices that may be at risk if they’re running outdated software. This includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and Safari browsers. The affected operating systems and their vulnerable versions are as follows:

• iOS and iPadOS (versions prior to 18.1 and 17.7.1)
• macOS Sequoia (versions prior to 15.1 and 14.7.1) and macOS Ventura (versions prior to 13.7.1)
• watchOS (versions prior to 11.1)
• tvOS (versions prior to 18.1)
• visionOS (versions prior to 2.1)
• Safari (versions prior to 18.1)

Also read: High-risk security flaw found in iPhones and other Apple products: Is your device safe?

Cyber attackers can potentially take advantage of the vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information, block user access to devices, or even escalate privileges to manipulate data and device functionality. The advisory also warns that a remote code execution can occur, which means attackers can take control of the device without any interaction from the user. This poses a significant risk to both personal and organisational data, potentially allowing access to private information like banking details, passwords, and confidential files.

How to protect your device

CERT-In strongly advises Apple users to update their devices to the latest software version available. Users can check for updates in their device’s settings under the software update option.

By ignoring these updates, users risk leaving their devices vulnerable to serious attacks, including data theft and unauthorised system access. To safeguard your personal and sensitive information, update your Apple devices without delay and regularly check for any new security patches.

The advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping devices updated to stay ahead of potential cybersecurity threats. Stay secure by keeping all your Apple devices on the latest software versions.