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On August 17, an Apple security alert was issued for iPhones running iOS 15.6.1 and iPads running iPadOS 15.6.1. Small-business owners need to heed the Apple security alert and upgrade their iPads and iPhones as quickly as possible.
Why was the Apple Security Alert Issued?
According to the Apple security alert, vulnerabilities in iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1 could allow a hacker full admin access to your devices. With that access, the hacker could impersonate you and run any software on the Apple device, including email and text.
In theory, this means that scammers could send emails or texts that appear to come from you, or gain access to business systems or financial services that use your device for two-factor authentication. Apple published updates to the operating systems that eliminate the vulnerability.
Which devices does the Apple security alert cover?
This vulnerability affects the following devices:
- iPhone: Model 6s and newer
- iPad: 5th generation and later, all iPad Pro models and iPad Air 2 models
- Mac: All models running macOS Monterey
Why should small businesses be more concerned than the public at large?
Many digital payment systems rely on an iPhone or iPad interface that is continually connecting to financial information. You may also have systems that capture and update customer information. These systems are critical to the operation of your business. If a hacker is able to access these systems, or lock you out of them, the damage to your business could be devastating.
Small-business owners who rely on Apple devices should be in the habit of looking for security alerts directly from Apple and updating their devices whenever a new security notice is issued. By publicizing the existence of the vulnerability, hardware and software makers know they are informing bad actors as well as the customers they want to protect.
Vulnerabilities like this only get disclosed when a security patch is available. It is critical to download those patches and apply them immediately, as hackers generally start scanning for these weaknesses soon after they are announced.
Protect Your Small-Business Now!
What would you do if your online accounts or customer database were breached or encrypted with ransomware? Protect Now specializes in small-business cyber security, including cyber liability insurance and Virtual CISO services. Some threats can be patched, while others require effort and vigilance. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-658-8311 to speak to a cyber security expert about your businesses’ unique needs.
Written by Robert Siciliano, CEO of Credit Parent, Head of Training & Security Awareness Expert at Protect Now, #1 Best Selling Amazon author, Media Personality & Architect of CSI Protection Certification.