There are security gaps in many iPhones, iPads and Mac computers that are already being exploited by attackers. Users should update.
Apple has released updates for many iPhones and iPads, as well as Mac computers. Apple warns that this patches vulnerabilities that would otherwise make the devices vulnerable when visiting manipulated websites. According to a report, the vulnerabilities are already being exploited by attackers.
According to the information, iPhones from the 6s model, all iPad Pros, iPad Airs from the second generation, iPads from the fifth generation onwards, iPad Minis from the fourth generation and iPod Touch devices from the seventh generation are affected. You will receive an update to iOS 15.3.1, Mac computers one to macOS 12.2.1.
Apple has also announced that it wants to improve protection against unwanted surveillance by air tags. Together with Apple devices, these small tags form a Find My network. Items equipped with it can be searched and found over the network. However, air tags can also be misused for surveillance if they are secretly planted on people.
A look into the settings
If you have not yet been offered the iOS update, you should proceed as follows: Connect the iPhone or iPad to the charger, activate WLAN, go to “Settings/General/Software update” and then tap on “Download and install”. On Macs, you initiate the update in the Apple menu under “System Preferences/Software Update” by clicking on “Update Now”.
Apple has also announced that it wants to improve protection against unwanted surveillance by air tags. These small tags work with Apple devices to form a Find My network. Items equipped with it, from your pocket to a bunch of keys, can be searched for and found over the network.
Airtags
However, air tags can also be misused for surveillance if they are secretly planted on people. To protect against possible tracking, iPhone users will receive a warning on the display if they are constantly carrying someone else’s Airtag around with them. In addition, air tags emit an alarm after 24 hours at the latest if they are permanently in the vicinity of a person who is not carrying an iPhone.
In addition, the future Airtag setup will also include a notice that tracking people without their consent is a criminal offense in many regions of the world.
Better warnings, louder alarms
In addition, the warnings should be improved: There are reports from users that security messages were issued because of Airpods in the vicinity, but not when there were Airtags in the area.
In addition, Apple says it is looking into further refining the localization of air tags, further improving the logic of the iPhone warnings because of air tags, connecting the iPhone warnings to the playing of an alarm tone on the air tag and its more precise localization, and changing the alarm tone and make it louder.
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