The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a "severe" warning for all Apple device users in India. The agency has flagged multiple vulnerabilities in Apple products such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and others. The vulnerabilities could lead to sensitive information leaks, arbitrary code execution, security bypasses, denial of service (DoS) attacks, and spoofing attacks.
According to the CERT-In advisory dated August 2, the affected Apple software includes iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.6 and 16.7.9, macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.6, macOS Ventura versions prior to 13.6.8, macOS Monterey versions prior to 12.7.6, watchOS versions prior to 10.6, tvOS versions prior to 17.6, visionOS versions prior to 1.3, and Safari versions prior to 17.6.
Also Read: Xbox Could Soon Introduce Google Play Store Rival
Are Apple Devices Under Serious Threat?
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has urged Apple users to apply the necessary software updates as listed by the company to mitigate any high-level risks. Apple has not yet confirmed any security risk from their side.
Besides, Apple has been sending alerts about potential "mercenary spyware attacks," like Pegasus from the NSO Group to users in over 150 countries, including India. These alerts were issued to warn users about spyware aimed at remotely compromising iPhones.
Apple’s threat notification highlights that these spyware attacks are very rare and more sophisticated than typical cybercriminal activities or consumer malware. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Apple are yet to respond to queries regarding these issues. CERT-In continues to monitor the situation and advises users to keep their devices up to date with the latest security patches.
Also Read: Meta To Allow Instagram Users To Create AI Chatbots
Apple Watch For Kids Feature Now Available In India
Apple has introduced a useful parental feature for Indian consumers this week. Apple Watch for users’ kids is a feature that has helped parents stay in touch with their kids in several countries, and now iPhone users in India will be able to use this service.
To use this feature, all users need to do is access the family group tool. Users aren’t required to own the latest Apple Watch model to use this feature and the kids don’t need to carry an iPhone while they step out.
Apple Watch for kids lets parents track their kids when they are at school, or anywhere outside. Parents will be able to set up the Apple Watch for the kids without handing them an iPhone. Users will be able to pair with a cellular Apple Watch model and keep track of their movement, call them, or message them from their iPhone which effectively manages the wearable on their wrist. When the kids are in the class, users can disable alerts and let kids focus on their studies.