The main topic of the article is the importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches.
Key points:
1. Many devices stop receiving security updates, leaving them vulnerable to exploits.
2. Options for continuing to use unsupported devices include installing custom ROMs or being extremely cautious.
3. The best solution is to buy a new phone that is supported by regular security updates.
August has seen a flurry of patches released by technology giants like Microsoft, Google Chrome, and Firefox to fix serious vulnerabilities. These patches are crucial as some of the flaws are already being exploited in attacks. While there was no iPhone update from Apple, major fixes were released for enterprise software, including Ivanti, SAP, and Cisco. Microsoft's Patch Tuesday fixed numerous vulnerabilities, including ones being actively targeted. Google Chrome also issued updates, addressing high impact flaws in V8 and WebRTC. Firefox patched various vulnerabilities, some of which could lead to arbitrary code execution. Lastly, Google patched several critical vulnerabilities in its Android operating system, including RCE issues in System and Media Framework.
Apple has released emergency security updates to fix two new zero-day vulnerabilities that were exploited in attacks targeting iPhone and Mac users, bringing the total number of exploited zero-days patched this year to 13.
Apple released updates for macOS 13.5.2, iOS 16.6.1, iPadOS 16.6.1, and watchOS 9.6.2, addressing security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers, urging all users to install the updates as soon as possible.
Two zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-41064 and CVE-2023-41061, were exploited by NSO Group's Pegasus spyware to infect fully-patched iPhones running iOS 16.6 via PassKit attachments containing malicious images, prompting Citizen Lab to urge Apple users to update their devices and activate Lockdown Mode.
Apple has released iOS 16.6.1, an emergency update for iPhones, to fix two serious flaws that have been actively exploited by attackers to deliver spyware without user interaction.
Apple has urged iPhone users to update their operating systems due to a new security breach exploited by Israeli NSO's Pegasus spyware, causing concerns in Israel over potential backlash from the US.
Apple has released the release candidate versions of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to developers, featuring customization options for calls, live voicemail transcriptions, improved messaging features, interactive widgets, and other updates.
Apple will release a software update for iPhone 12 users in France to address radiation concerns raised by the country's regulators and bring the devices into compliance with European standards, but the regulators will test the update before lifting the marketing withdrawal order.
Samsung has released a new security patch for its Galaxy devices in September 2023, addressing critical and high-security vulnerabilities.
Apple is releasing operating system updates, including iOS 17, WatchOS 10, iPadOS 17, TVOS 17, and MacOS Sonoma, with new features and improvements for compatible devices.
Google has released the September security update for Pixel phones, which is still based on Android 13, addressing 32 vulnerabilities and including a Pixel-specific CVE.
Apple has released emergency security updates to fix three new zero-day vulnerabilities that were exploited to target iPhone and Mac users, bringing the total number of zero-days fixed this year to 16. The vulnerabilities allowed attackers to bypass signature validation, execute arbitrary code, and escalate privileges. The impacted devices include iPhone 8 and later, iPad mini 5th generation and later, Macs running macOS Monterey and newer, and Apple Watch Series 4 and later. The zero-days were discovered and reported by security researchers at Citizen Lab and Google's Threat Analysis Group.
Apple has released urgent security updates to patch vulnerabilities actively exploited, including flaws in WebKit, certificate validation, and kernel access, which were part of an exploit chain used to plant the Pegasus and Predator spyware.
Users of Apple's iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac are being warned to update their devices immediately due to active and sophisticated spyware attacks targeting high-profile individuals, with the security update addressing three critical vulnerabilities.
The Galaxy A54, Samsung's feature-packed mid-range phone, is receiving an update with the September security patch, providing improved security but no other new features or improvements until it receives Android 14 and One UI 6.0.
Apple has released a software update to address concerns about the iPhone 12 exceeding legal radiation exposure limits in France, potentially avoiding a ban on the device.
Samsung is releasing the September 2023 security update to several smartphones including the Galaxy A13, Galaxy A21s, and Galaxy M02 in various countries, providing more than 60 security fixes without introducing new features or performance improvements.
Google has released the October 2023 security updates for Android, addressing 54 vulnerabilities, including two actively exploited flaws, with one impacting various software products and the other affecting multiple versions of Arm Mali GPU drivers on Android devices.
Apple has released the iOS 17.0.3 update for iPhone and iPadOS 17.0.3 update for iPads, addressing an overheating issue on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max and a kernel vulnerability that could be exploited by attackers.
Apple has released an emergency patch to address a serious security flaw that may have already been exploited by attackers, marking the 16th documented zero-day exploit against Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and macOS-powered devices.
iOS 17, Apple's biggest annual software update for iPhone users, was released on September 17, 2023, and includes new features for Messages, FaceTime, widgets, and more.
Samsung is considering extending its security update support for its devices beyond the current five years, in response to Google's announcement of seven years of updates for the Pixel 8 series, showcasing Samsung's impressive track record of providing timely security patches to over 150+ Galaxy devices and updating over a billion devices monthly.
Apple plans to release a software update for the iPhone 12 in France to comply with radiation testing requirements and address concerns raised by regulators about excessive radiation levels emitted by the device when in contact with static surfaces.
Samsung has released the October 2023 security update for the Galaxy S20 FE, providing new security fixes for various vulnerabilities.
Apple is set to release its iOS 17.1 update by October 24th, which will address radiation levels in the iPhone 12 and includes other features such as an Apple Music favorites system and support for AirDrop over the internet.
Apple is rumored to announce updated versions of the base model iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Mini this week, with spec bumps and new chips.
Apple is developing a system that allows its stores to update the software of iPhones without opening the packaging, ensuring that customers receive devices with the latest software already installed.
Apple is developing a pad-like device that will update new iPhones to the latest iOS version before they are opened, ensuring a smooth user experience right from the start.
Apple plans to introduce a new system that allows retail store staff to wirelessly update iPhones inside sealed boxes, ensuring customers receive iPhones with the latest version of iOS without the need for manual updates.
Apple is planning to introduce a system that will wirelessly update new iPhones while they are still in the box, improving the user experience by eliminating the need for an immediate software update upon setup.
