In case you are not tired enough of applying updates to your iPhone, there is another one. In this case, don’t put it off. A vulnerability was found for versions of iOS prior to the one just released by Apple. If your iPhone or iPad is on a version prior to 10.1, update it now.
This newest issue may allow an attacker to remotely take over full control of your device by planting malware that executes when disguised in a PDF, JPEG, or even a font file. The user merely has to open one of these infected files.
Again, don’t open just any old attachment or click on random links that you receive in email or by text message, even if you know the sender. If you are not expecting to receive something, contact the sender separately to verify that he or she did indeed intend to send you that file. Don’t just open it willy-nilly though. Make sure you really want to view the contents. Sometimes, files are malicious even without the user knowing, so if you really don’t need to see the file, just delete it and don’t take the chance.
This update includes several other bug fixes for security flaws including an issue with the contacts where an app can access them even without privileges. Don’t wait till the little red update notification shows up on your devices. Go into your settings now and update them. Go to Settings >> General >> Software Update to download and install it. If you don’t get an update when doing this, check to make sure you are on version 10.1 by going into Settings >> General >> About and check the version number. If you have your devices set to automatically update, then you may already be ahead of the game.
There is a CVE assigned to this (CVE-2016-4673), but as of writing, no additional technical information is listed. However, don’t wait on it. Just update it now and check the technical details later if you wish. Now that the bad guys know about this, they are sure to go hunting for devices that have not been updated. Don’t let yours be one they find.
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