Apple users urged to update iPhones, iPads and Macs after security risk found

The security issue may have been "actively exploited"

Author: Sonia NyathiPublished 19th Aug 2022

Apple users have been urged to update their phones after a serious security issue has been found for iPhones, iPads and Macs.

The software flaws could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices, Apple said in two security reports.

The company said it is "aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited".

Security experts have advised users to update affected devices - the iPhones6S and later models; several models of the iPad, including the 5th generation and later, all iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 2; and Mac computers running MacOS Monterey.

It also affects some iPod models.

On the Apple security update website it states that:

"For the protection of our customers, Apple doesn't disclose, discuss or confirm security issues until our investigation is complete and any necessary updates are generally available."

Apple is aware that the security risk "may have been exploited"

"An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited."

"Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited."

"Apple uses security advisories and our security-announce mailing list to publish information about security fixes in our products and to publicly credit people or organisations that have reported security issues to us. "

Emoji's that mean something different:

While we're talking about phones, did you know there are a whole lot of emojis that mean something very different to what most people think they mean:

1) Bowing Man 🙇

This guy isn't thinking, he's bowing! Although often mistaken for a man thinking or doing push-ups, this emoji is actually bowing deeply called dogeza in Japan.

2) Sleepy Face 😪

Although technically called 'Sleepy Face', this emoji isn't crying, the 'tear' is actually coming from its nose. This brings a whole other meaning to this 'sad' emoji.

3) See-No-Evil Monkey 🙈

While most people assume it mean 'oh dear' or 'oops', the 'See-No-Evil Monkey' actually part of the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, hence the other two monkey emojis next to it.

4) Person Gesturing No 🙅

While it looks like the person could be doing The X Factor symbol, she is actually gesturing 'no'.

5) Face With Steam From Nose 😤

In a survey conducted last year 69% of the people asked perceived this to mean 'very angry/in a huff'. It actually means 'expressing triumph after great frustration'.

6) Tired Face 😫

This 'tired face' is often confused with the similar 'weary face'. Some also interpret it as a frustrated face.

7) Hushed Face 😯

Its proper definition is someone who should be kept quiet, but many believe it to be surprised or astonished.

8) Disappointed but Relieved Face 😥

Contrary to the upset meaning that many use it for, its true meaning is 'disappointed but relieved'.

9) Dash Symbol 💨

Whilst many think of this as a fart it actually means the fast movement of a person or vehicle!

10) Person with Folded Hands 🙏

No, this person isn't praying! In Japan, a folded hand gesture is commonly used to say 'please' and 'thank you'.

11) Poop emoji

Perhaps the most famous misinterpreted emoji, this little fella isn't actually a poop - he's a happy chocolate ice cream, duh. It was proven (by science) when a Twitter user superimposed the ALLEGED poop over the actual Ice Cream emoji and the shapes fit exactly.

12) Dancing girls

These are dancing girls of the rather more risqué persuasion than what you've been using them as. Sure, nothing says gals night out on the town like these two, but they actually originated as Japanese 'bunny girls', akin to strippers or playboy bunnies.

13) Sassy Girl

There's a Sassy Girl in all of us, but it turns out she's not actually flicking her hair like she just don't care in this emoji - she's actually an information kiosk lady. Who knew.

14) Aubergine emoji

While we know - WE KNOW - that popular culture dictates that this is, in fact a peen, you'll be sad to know that it wasn't designed as such and is actually just an Aub. Day ruiner or what.

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