Apple’s iOS src5.4 upgrade has been released, along with a bunch of brilliant new iPhone features. But iOS src5.4 also comes with a warning to update now, because it fixes a whopping 39 security issues, some of which are serious.
Apple doesn’t give many details about what’s fixed in iOS src5.4 to allow as many people to update their iPhones as possible before attackers get hold of the details. Among the security vulnerabilities fixed in iOS src5.4 are several issues in WebKit, the engine that powers Apple’s Safari browser.
According to Apple’s support page, iOS src5.4 also patches issues in the Kernel, which could allow arbitrary code execution via a malicious app. Many of the issues recently patched by Apple—such as the single but serious flaw fixed in iOS src5.3.src—have been fixed after they’ve been used to attack iPhones. But thankfully none of the vulnerabilities fixed in iOS src5.4 are being used in active attack, yet.
Even so, many of the issues fixed in iOS src5.4 are serious, which means you should update your iPhone now if possible. There are vulnerabilities that allow for Kernel level access, which is “about as bad as it gets,” says independent security researcher Sean Wright.
This—chained with some of the other iPhone vulnerabilities—could allow adversaries to perform attacks remotely, he says.
Although none of the vulnerabilities patched in iOS src5.4 are being actively exploited, Wright advises updating your iPhone sooner rather than later: “Don’t panic but update as soon as you can.”
iOS src5.4 has arrived, along with a hefty list of security updates.
Apple iPhone
Reasons to upgrade to iOS src5.4 now
Apple’s iOS src5.4 upgrade comes with some brilliant new features, such as updates to the iCloud Keychain and the ability to use Face ID easily when wearing a mask. Apple’s also released all its updates in the same day, including for Macs, in a ground-breaking first for the iPhone maker.
When iOS src5 was first launched, Apple issued important secuirty updates to iPhones still on iOS src4. Sadly, this is no longer the case, which means you need to upgrade to iOS src5.4 to stay secure.
So what are you waiting for? Go to Settings > General > Software Update and upgrade to iOS src5.4 now. As well as enjoying some cool new features, you can then rest assured that your iPhone is as secure as possible.
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