On Thursday (7 September), Apple issued a crucial security update for iPhones and iPads to address newly uncovered security vulnerabilities in the devices’ system software.
Researchers from the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab made the discovery and reported that malicious actors were actively exploiting this software flaw to distribute a commercial spyware known as Pegasus, which is developed and marketed by the Israeli company NSO Group, according to AP.
Pegasus is a costly tool typically employed to target dissidents, journalists, and political adversaries, suggesting that regular users are unlikely to be directly affected. Nevertheless, Citizen Lab strongly advises all users to promptly update their devices.
To apply the update, follow these steps: Open the Settings menu on your iPhone, select “General,” and then choose “Software Update.” You should find the iOS 16.6.1 software update listed there; tap it to initiate the installation.
If you do not see the update, return to the General settings page and select “About” to verify your iOS version number. If your version is 16.6.1, you already have the update installed. If your phone is still running version 16.6 or an earlier one, please repeat the aforementioned steps.
In the event that you still do not see an update, try to restart your phone. If this does not prompt the update to appear, double-check your internet connection and wait for a while before attempting again.
This security update is available for: iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
