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Apple released an urgent and essential security update on Thursday evening. The move came after the company said an unknown researcher has pointed out a critical security issue. The security flaw is related to the iOS operating system and Safari web browser. A cybersecurity expert at San Jose State University, Professor Ahmed Banafa issued a statement.

Professor Banafa said it is really serious so don’t delay. It is not something that the company to leave for tomorrow or it can be resolved by itself. The company must ensure to provide the latest update. He said the security issues can enable hackers to install a specific program in order to take control of devices. Hackers can get all the information stored on your smartphone.

Hackers Can Control Entire Activities of a System

Banafa added that people can download apps, read information, and send & receive information. But your entire activities will be under the control of hackers. Thomas Williamson is one of many Apple users from Richmond who has at least 3 Apple devices. He said Apple has presented a massive range of tech devices including smartphones, wearables, desktops, laptops, and iPads.

Most Apple devices have the latest camera settings, address books, and wallets. Williamson said he currently has everything on his smartphone so it is horrible if he loses it. However, it is a scarier thought but it is now an actual threat. Banafa also said Apple acknowledged the issue is already discovered and posing a threat to a number of users.

Around 118 Million iPhone Devices in the US

Banafa added that there are at least 118 million iPhone devices in the United States. He said it is a massive number. Moreover, there are a billion in the total number of devices using operating systems outside the United States. Experts have urged Apple users to go to their general settings and select the automatic update option.

It would enable them to check for the security patch and upload it immediately on all devices. One expert said he believes there are currently too many. It is a type that is hard to keep up with if you don’t click on automatic updates. He said there are at least 5 updates available. Don’t wait until tomorrow and do it right now. A Stanford Senior Research Fellow in cybersecurity, Herb Lin issued a statement.

Lin Said about “A Zero-Day” Susceptibility

Lin said the security issue is known as “a zero-day” susceptibility. He added that it is a zero-day vulnerability and it can spread around the world without notice. Lin said hackers have now become increasingly more complicated. He said we are unable to get ahead of the threat and we are always behind. The last 40 years have shown people weren’t able to get ahead in cybersecurity.

Lin added that cybersecurity issues have now become more common. There is also an accelerating debate over whether to hold software companies accountable for critical damages. Lin said there is one idea that is often considered in discussions among security experts. The major idea is that companies developing software with susceptibilities have to be subject to specific degrees.