The next update of Apple’s iOS is highly anticipated as it will bring a number of new functions and capabilities to iPhone and iPad devices. The update will be released later this month, but Apple urgently released a supplemental update for iOS 14.4.
This is because a critical vulnerability has been found and needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Tap or click here to do a security check on your phone with this free app.
When checking the update description page, there is not much information. Apple is just saying that it is an “important” update and should download it immediately.
Here is the background story
Discovered by Clément Lecigne of the Google Threat Analysis Group and Alison Huffman of the Microsoft Browser Vulnerability Survey, the CVE-2021-1844 it is quite serious. The update addresses a vulnerability in WebKit used by Safari and other third-party browsers to leverage its technology.
“A memory corruption issue has been resolved with improved validation. Processing maliciously crafted web content can lead to arbitrary code execution, ”explains Apple on its support pages.
This means that malicious code can be inserted into a website, which can, in turn, trigger unauthorized activity on your device. This can be anything from sending your personal information to a hacker’s server or stealing your bank details.
This is Apple’s second update this month. Last week, the company released a Mac update that fixed a bug that disables MacBooks. Devices with an Apple Silicon M1 chip with third-party USB-C dock connections are at risk.
Device failure occurs specifically when the USB-C dock is supplying power to the computer. Version 11.2.2 of macOS prevents corruption of the MacBook Pro (2019 or later) and MacBook Air models (2020 or later).
Update your device
The latest vulnerability patch has been released for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and macOS. It is highly recommended that you update all devices immediately.
Here’s how to get iOS 14.4.1 and iPadOS 14.4.1:
- Connect your device to the charger to ensure that the battery does not die during the update.
- Touch settings.
- Touch In general > Software update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and install.
To turn on automatic updates for your device:
- Touch settings.
- Touch In general > Software update.
- Select Automatic updates.
- Toggle Download and Install options on the right to activate them.
There is also an update for macOS. Here’s how to download macOS 11.2.3:
- click on the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen and select System Preferences.
- Touch Software update.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the update.
- To install future updates automatically, including apps you downloaded from the App Store, select Automatically keep my Mac up to date.
Keep reading
The 10 best new features to try on iOS 14
Gmail reveals the huge amount of data it has about you