iPhone security flaws allow spy apps to be installed on the device. Find out more!
The new version of iOS, the operating system for Apple cell phones, was recently released and fixes two flaws exploited by Pegasus, a controversial application used by governments and security forces to spy on activists, journalists and heads of state.
This spy app is used to monitor devices without the owners being aware. It can be used to access the contents of a cell phone, such as photos, calls and activate the device's microphone in real time. It is also capable of monitoring smartphones to read messages, track calls, reveal passwords, access location and more. The NOS Group, an Israeli company, is the creator of the spy app.
Learn more about this spy app and the new iOS update that fixes security flaws.
Update
The new update 16.6.1 from iOS was released on September 7th and fixes several flaws called Blastpass, characterized as zero-day and zero-click. Zero-day is when the flaws are not known by the company and zero-click is when to be exploited, the user does not need to click on anything.
Sending an image or attachment to a cell phone could compromise it, all without having to touch or interact with it. Just by receiving the message, someone could allow the installation of spyware. This problem was discovered by Canada's internet regulator, Citizen Lab, at the end of August.
The errors found are serious, since the file can be sent in different ways, via iMessage or Safari or by WhatsApp.
Spy App
The spy can monitor cell phones without the owners knowing. They can be used to access the device's content, activate the device's camera and microphone in real time. Pegasus can read messages, track calls, reveal passwords and track location, among other functions.
Major figures in world politics have been targeted by Pegasus, the Israeli company's spy app. Among them are French President Emmanuel Macron and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Brazil
During former President Jair Messias Bolsonaro's term in office, his son, Carlos Bolsonaro, attempted to bid for the purchase of Pegasus. The application was not intended to be used by intelligence agencies. According to an investigation at the time, his idea was to have a sort of parallel Brazilian Intelligence Agency. At the time, the Federal Court of Auditors vetoed the purchase of the software.
How to update iOS
To update iPhone or iPad and receive the fix for these security flaws, just be connected to the internet and go to “Settings”, “General” and “Software Update”.
The fix is available for iPhone 8 or later, Mac computers running macOS Ventura, iPad Pro 5th generation and later, and iPad Mini 5th generation or later.
Apple also recommends that people who are at risk or potentially at risk of hacking should enable Blocking Mode, which is available for Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads. Blocking Mode is an extra layer of protection for those who may be targeted by these more sophisticated digital threats. With Blocking Mode enabled, message attachments are blocked and FaceTime video calls are also blocked if you have not had contact with the person before.
