iPhone Update — Apply It Now If You Haven’t Already

Apple recently issued an urgent iPhone update, iOS version 16.5.1. If you haven’t updated yet, you should. 

Owners of iPads should update to iOS 16.5.1 as well. 

The update contains two critical security fixes that prevent bad actors from executing malicious code on iPhones and iPads.  

One of the fixes addresses an issue with the kernel of the device—the core code that runs iPhones and iPads. Apple reported that the issue could allow an app to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. With those privileges, a malicious appp could attack the device at the root level. The other addresses an issue with the operating system’s WebKit, which, if uncorrected, could process maliciously crafted web content. 

You can update to iOS 16.5.1 now by going to Settings > General > Software Update. 

The update is available for:  

• iPhone 8 and later. 
• iPad Pro (all models). 
• iPad Air 3rd generation and later. 
• iPad 5th generation and later. 
• iPad mini 5th generation and later. 

Protecting your iPhone 

Keeping your operating system current on your iPhone, and all your devices, provides a strong foundation for protection. In addition to adding new features, updates often include fixes focused on security. In this case, a couple of critical security fixes. 

You have a few options for keeping on top of security updates: 

1. Turn on automatic updates. This will ensure that your device is running the latest and greatest version of the operating system. Additionally, you can turn on automatic updates for all your apps as well. Together, they will take the work out of keeping things current.
2. Check for updates yourself. Even with automatic updates turned on, you might experience slightly delayed access to the latest update. In some cases, updates get rolled out to batches of users at a time to prevent download servers from getting overwhelmed. However, manually checking for updates will provide access to the latest version regardless of where you stand in the rollout queue. This way, if you see a news story about a critical update, you can still download it right away.
3. Use online protection software for your phone. Protection like our McAfee+ plans include a Wi-Fi & System Scan feature that notifies you when you need to update iOS. It can also take the guesswork out of whether you are current or not—and keep you in the loop if you miss the news of an important update. McAfee+ offers far more protection from there. It now includes our WebAdvisor extension, which warns you of sketchy phishing links and unsafe downloads. Privacy protection and identity protection come included as well, along with a VPN for a more secure connection. 

Keep safe. Keep your iOS (and your apps) current. 

Aside from using online protection software, keeping your device current offers a strong defense from hacks and attacks. Updates to your operating system and apps will fix security issues and loopholes—the very sorts of things that bad actors are quick to exploit. 

You can keep current quite easily, thanks to automatic updates. Yet keeping an eye on the news remains important as well. If you catch word of an important update, grab it right away. No need to wait. 

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About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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