Rest of the Day: Apple Releases Major IOS Security Update
Security researchers uncovered an unprecedented iOS exploit that was being used by a digital arms dealer to spy on political dissidents and high profile targets.
- Investigators found that the Israeli company NSO Group was able to exploit three security vulnerabilities in iOS , allowing users of their software to track calls, messages and more on infected phones. Human rights activist Ahmed Mansour became a target for someone trying to infect his phone, and forwarded them received suspicious text messages researchers Citizen Lab, both reported Vice . They then worked with Lookout and Apple’s security team to fix the vulnerabilities in the update that is being released today ( iOS 9.3.5 ). The intended use of the malware is to target valuable people, and most people are not really at risk, although it is possible that this was around back in 2013 . [New York Times, Vice, Lookout and Ars Technica]
- In other news, PlayStation Network now has two-factor authentication. Include this. [Kotaku]
- Apple is reportedly working on a SnapChat-like app that will do video editing and sharing – with fun filters and stickers! – an integral part of iOS. [Bloomberg]
- Alfonso Ribeiro loves Chex Mix and nature. A good snack and a breath of fresh air? This is a life hack. [Gizmodo]