Apple just patched a critical security flaw found in millions of iPhones, passing the responsibility to its customers to update their devices.
Before we get into the details, here are steps to updating the software on your iPhone: Connect to Wi-Fi, tap Settings > General > Software update > Download and Install.
The latest 10.3.3 update fixes 47 security vulnerabilities in iOS 10, including one that can take complete control over your phone. Dubbed “Broadpwn,” the security threat takes control of your device by hacking into its Broadcom BCM42xx Wi-Fi chipset, a component found in every iPhone since the iPhone 5.
The exploit was discovered by Exodus Intelligence security researcher Nitay Artenstein. He discovered anyone within Wi-Fi range could take over a smartphone’s processor and corrupt its memory to gain complete control of the device.
The debilitating vulnerability is not exclusive to Apple phones. Millions of Android devices made by Samsung, LG, and others were also in danger of being compromised before Google patched the flaw in its latest July security update.
Google’s Project Zero security researchers say the introduction of new Wi-Fi hardware has weakened the overall security of devices and introduced vulnerabilities that could compromise an entire system. They say hackers are better off attacking the Wi-Fi chip of a phone than going after its operating system or apps.
As ZDNet points out, the Broadpwn bug is also capable of attacking Mac computers, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. Apple has already patched the vulnerability in all of those devices.
If you own an iPhone or any of the devices listed above, make sure it is updated with the latest software.
H/T Select All