Apple iPhone and MacBook users are at a high risk of being hacked, Indian govt warns (2024)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 1, 2024 11:54 IST

The Indian government's cybersecurity agency, CERT-In has issued a critical warning for Apple product users. In its latest advisory released with Vulnerability Note CIAD-2024-0007, the government agency has flagged multiple vulnerabilities in various Apple products which if exploited by hackers, can allow them to steal users' sensitive data and even gain complete control over the device.

The warning note by CERT-In reveals that the latest vulnerabilities are serious, particularly for those users with iPhones and MacBooks. If exploited, these vulnerabilities could potentially allow attackers to access sensitive information, execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, and gain elevated privileges on the targeted system. CERT-In further urges Apple device users to take immediate action to secure their devices and protect their personal and sensitive data from unauthorised access.

List of Apple devices at risk

The list of affected devices includes various Apple products running on different operating systems:

• Apple tvOS versions prior to 17.3
• Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (all models)
• Apple watchOS versions prior to 10.3
• Apple Watch Series 4 and later
• Apple macOS Monterey versions prior to 12.7.3
• Apple macOS Ventura versions prior to 13.6.4
• Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.3
• Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 15.8.1
• iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), and iPod touch (7th generation)
• Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 16.7.5
• iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPad 5th generation, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation
• Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.3
• iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation and later, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 6th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later
• Apple Safari versions prior to 17.3
• macOS Monterey and macOS Ventura

How to stay safe

To safeguard vulnerable Apple devices from potential security threats, CERT-In recommends users to apply the security updates mentioned in the Apple Security Update immediately. These updates are designed to address the identified vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security of your device.

Meanwhile, here are some security measures to follow to keep your devices safe from any such threat in future:

• Keep Software Up-to-Date: Regularly check for updates on your Apple devices and install them promptly. This ensures you have the latest security patches and bug fixes, protecting you from vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates if possible for added convenience.
• Implement Strong Passwords: Craft strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever available. This creates a robust barrier against unauthorised access, even if your password is compromised.
• Be Wary of Emails and Links: Approach emails and links with caution, especially from unknown senders or sources that seem suspicious. Phishing scams often exploit vulnerabilities, so exercising discretion can save you from falling victim.
• Back Up Regularly: Create regular backups of your important data to an external storage device or iCloud. This safeguards your information in case of accidental loss, device failure, or security breaches. Having a recent backup allows you to easily restore your data and minimise loss.