Update your iPhone NOW: Apple releases urgent security update with new iOS 17.3 that fixes 15 bugs
- Apple launched the new iOS 17.3 on Monday, which fixes 15 bugs
- Many of the security flaws have allowed user data to become accessible to third-party apps
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Apple is urging all iPhone users to download the latest iOS 17 update after the tech giant discovered 15 security issues that may have exposed users’ sensitive data.
The tech giant rolled out iOS 17.3 on Monday with several features and bug fixes.
One of the exploits was discovered in Mail Search, where third-party apps could gain access to information, and another in Safari, which may have made the user’s private browsing activity visible in Settings.
The updated software isn’t all doom and gloom, as iOS 17.3 includes new Stolen Device Protection, which promises to prevent cybercriminals from locking iPhone users out of their accounts if a smartphone is stolen.
The new iOS 17.3 includes 15 security patches for malicious bugs that may have left user data open to bad actors. One of the exploits was discovered in Mail Search
Apple noted in the announcement that it “does not disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available.”
The security fixes apply to iPhone and iPad, which suffered from the same bugs that potentially exposed users’ data to cyber thieves.
In addition to Mail Search and Safari, flaws have been found in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari.
“A maliciously crafted web page could potentially fingerprint the user,” Apple shared in its announcement about WebKit.
While three others in the browser engine may have led to arbitrary code execution when processing web content.
Two cybersecurity experts reported an issue with Time Zone that could potentially allow attackers to view a user’s phone number log system.
Flaws have been found in WebKit, the browser engine that powers Safari. For Webkit, “a maliciously crafted web page may be able to fingerprint the user.” While three others may have led to arbitrary code execution when processing web content
To activate Stolen Device Protection, users go to Settings and then to Face ID and Passwords, where they can enable the feature
Users can update their iPhone and iPad by going to Settings, General and then activating the download for the new iOS 17.3.
While Apple urges users to purchase the latest version of iOS to fix bugs, the operating system also includes Stole Device Protection, which some say is one of Apple’s best features in years.
If the feature detects an unknown location of the iPhone, Apple’s FaceID is required to unlock the device.
Users will be asked to perform two Face ID or Touch ID scans an hour apart to unlock the device.
To activate Stolen Device Protection, users go to Settings and then to Face ID and Passwords, where they can enable the feature.
Also included in the new iOS 17.3 is AirPlay for hotel TVs and crash detection improvements for all iPhone 14 and 15 models.
The new collaborative music playlists have also been rolled out, allowing users to invite friends to join lists that can delete, add and reorder songs – similar to how Spotify works.