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

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

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.

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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.

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".

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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.