Patch alert for Apple fans: Cybercrooks have already been exploiting this flaw in iPhones, iPads, and watches

Apple has issued critical security patches for all supported phones, fondleslabs, and watches after being alerted to multiple possible intrusions by Google. The fix issued on Friday for iOS 14.4.2 and iPadOS 14.4.2, CVE-2021-1879, is urgently needed. According to Apple, the flaw allows for the creation of "maliciously crafted …

[TVC]

Never mind the crooks I'd worry about governments.

If you want to crap yourself about cyber security have a read of "This is how they tell me the world ends". All about the Cyber Arms Race. A really good read and rather terrifying. I knew some of it but not the extent of government (friend and foe) involvement in taking advantage of zero-day vulnerabilities.

[Anonymous Coward]

This is how they tell me the world ends

It's alright. Very sensationalised and written from a very simplistic good-vs-evil point of view. It will serve as an intro to the topic but it is not at all technical (and nor is the author).

[chivo243]

One advantage

I don't use my phone or tablet for daily surfing. In the rare case I do use either on the web, it's for quick look at a map or traffic info.

[katrinab]

Re: One advantage

I don't think desktop browsers are any better in terms of security. Probably worse in fact.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: One advantage

Disagree. On a desktop/laptop OS you have the ability to install extra protective measures. Not so much on tablets and phones.

[Hubert Cumberdale]

"...after being alerted to multiple possible intrusions by Google."

Now there's an ambiguous end to a sentence.

[Claptrap314]

Re: "...after being alerted to multiple possible intrusions by Google."

Got me reading it twice...

[Anonymous Coward]

Is it just me ..

.. or is Apple heading towards Microsoft with the frequency of its patches?

Granted, it's not yet quite at the TB/week level that emanates from Redmond, but the trend is upwards. Not good.

[Spiz]

Re: Is it just me ..

It's just you.

[Michael Wojcik]

Re: Is it just me ..

It's primarily a function of more researchers looking more closely, and a larger attack surface, because of Apple's various OSes.

Mind you, I do not believe the mythology about Apple's code quality. I've seen too much of it. But they still have a smaller attack surface than Microsoft.

[FlippingGerman]

Re: Is it just me ..

Isn't more patches good? The bugs are there anyway, this just means they're finding and fixing them.