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Apple Issues Critical New Security Patches

You should update your iPhone, Watch, or Mac immediately

By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 14, 2021 12:29PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming An Apple security exploit made it possible for Apple devices to be infected with spyware without any user action, but a patch is out now. This "zero-click" exploit was found by Citizen Lab researchers at the University of Toronto on September 7. Apple was informed of the exploit right away and has since issued a patch to address the problem. While the exploit was likely being used for specific targets like activists and reporters, it's recommended that everyone install the new patch if they're able. Jamie Street / Unsplash Without the security update, hackers can infect a given Apple device (computer, phone, tablet, or even watch) just by sending an image. You wouldn't even have to open or otherwise interact with the image file for it to affect your device—simply receiving it is enough. If your device can use iMessage, it's at risk until you update. Citizen Lab believes NSO Group used the exploit to infect an activist's phone with its Pegasus spyware back in March. Some journalists from Al Jazeera also likely were targets of this exploit. According to NPR, while Apple is taking this issue seriously, it has reiterated that the average user likely won't become a target. d3sign / Getty Images If you have an iPhone, it should alert you about the new patch on its own and prompt the download. Or, you can start a manual software update instead. If you have an iPad, Apple Watch, or Apple computer, you also should look for and install the latest system versions. Just to be safe. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can a Smart TV Get a Virus? How to Protect Your iPad From Malware and Viruses Patch Tuesday (Most Recent: October 11, 2022) Does Windows 10 Need Antivirus Protection? Are iPads Really That Safe from Viruses and Malware? What Does Lockdown Mode Mean on Apple Devices? Can a Router Get a Virus? What Is Spyware? Plus, How to Protect Yourself Against It Is Google Play Safe? Can You Get a Virus on a Mac? What You Need to Know 5 MacBook Security Tips - Internet / Network Security Browser Hijackers: What They Are and How to Protect Yourself From Them A Brief History of Malware 10 Things You Need to Do After Being Hacked What Is a Cyber Attack and How to Prevent One Microsoft Windows XP on New Computers Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies