Apple reveals serious security issue with iPhones, iPads and Macs that could give hackers complete control

18 August 2022, 23:23 | Updated: 19 August 2022, 06:59

iPhones and iPads are among the affected devices
iPhones and iPads are among the affected devices. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

Apple has announced it has detected serious security problems with iPhones, iPads and Macs which could allow hackers to take complete control of them.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The tech giant issued new security announcement and said it is "aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited".

It released two security reports about the issue on Wednesday.

Security experts have recommended users update their devices, which includes iPhones 6S and later models.

Read more: Man, 44, arrested after 87-year-old grandfather Thomas O'Halloran stabbed to death in Greenford

Read more: Ryan Giggs' mother sits in court as raunchy 'totem pole' poems he sent to ex are read out

Several models of the iPad, including the fifth generation and later, should also be updated, as should all iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 2.

Mac computers running MacOS Monterey should be updated.

Some iPod models are affected too.

Users are urged to update their devices
Users are urged to update their devices. Picture: Alamy

In a security update on its support page, Apple said one of the flaws means a malicious app "may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges".

Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security, said it allowed a hacker to "execute any code as if they are you, the user".

Read more: Unions threaten to strike for 'as long as it takes' as millions face more travel chaos in London

Read more: New image of man released by police after girl, 6, abducted and taken to woodland in Droylsden

She added those at particular risk are "people who are in the public eye" such as activists or journalists, and said these people should be particularly attentive to updating their software.

Apple did not give any information about how many users might be affected by the issue.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Syrians sing and wave post-Assad flags during the concert

Syrians celebrate a month since Assad’s overthrow with revolutionary songs

Drivers have been warned after contamination at an BP petrol station in Essex sparked breakdowns and vehicle damage.

Drivers issued warning as contaminated fuel at petrol station sparks 'hectic week' of damage and breakdowns

Patricia Bunting, from Wigan, was on a three week holiday with her grandson and two sons to Disney World

Brit grandmother stranded in Florida 'finally returning home' but remains 'immobile' as she fights for her life

People in protective clothing walk through a farm

Animal transports banned in German region after foot and mouth disease detected

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted the fiscal rules in her October budget are a non-negotiable as she defended her trip to China this week.

Rachel Reeves insists Budget is ‘non-negotiable’ as she defends China visit amid market turmoil back home

Police remove a protestor from the street

Far-right party’s conference draws protests as Germany heads into election

A footballer in the Premier League was arrested on suspicion of filming a sex tape without consent.

Premier League footballer 'arrested on training pitch' in front of 'open-mouthed' teammates for filming sex tape without consent

Harry and Meghan have met victims of the wildfires in LA

Harry and Meghan make surprise appearance in LA as they comfort wildfire victims and first responders

The devastation of the Palisades fire

Los Angeles families return to search the ruins of their homes for memories

Live
LA wildfires continue to spread

LIVE: Fresh evacuation order issued as LA wildfires continue to spread and governor calls for water shortage probe

Sam Moore

Sam Moore, who sang Soul Man in Sam and Dave duo, dies aged 89

Sam Moore - who formed one half of the music duo Sam And Dave - has died aged 89

Sam & Dave singer Sam Moore dies aged 89 after surgery complications

Venezuela Inauguration

Venezuela’s opposition supporters conflicted after Maduro is sworn in

Kim Jong Un demands 1,100lb of poo from every North Korean citizen sparking unusual black market trading

Kim Jong Un demands 1,100lb of poo from North Korean citizens sparking fights and black market trading

The fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles

Fires devastating Los Angeles grow more slowly as fierce winds die down

Anthony Hopkins issues heartfelt message after star's LA home 'burnt to the ground' in devastating wildfires

Anthony Hopkins issues heartfelt message after star's LA home 'burnt to the ground' in devastating wildfires