Apple users urged to install emergency security updates following major targeted attack
Apple users are being urged to install new emergency security updates following a major targeted attack.
The tech giant has released the update in order to fix two vulnerabilities in the iPhone that are enabling hackers to carry out attacks, which the firm described as being ‘extremely sophisticated’.
The cybersecurity issues impact WebKit, which is the browser engine behind Apple’s Safari and all browsers used on iOS.
Both vulnerabilities are known as CVE-2025-43529 and CVE-2025-14174, with Apple crediting Google’s Threat Analysis Group with finding the flaw.
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In a release, Apple said: “For our customers’ protection, Apple doesn’t disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available.”
The bugs have since been fixed by the company, with Apple releasing patches across its various operating systems.
So, what should you do to protect your device if you think it may have been affected?
According to a report by the New York Post, there are simple steps you can take to secure your iPhone.
How to protect your iPhone from cyber attacks
First up, make sure you’re installing security updates as soon as they become available on your device.
This will prevent you from running outdated and potentially vulnerable software.
Secondly, avoid clicking on any links you’re not familiar with, especially if they come from a random number either on text, through WhatsApp or sent to you over email.
If you’re worried that your device might be at risk, Apple give users the option to use the Lockdown Mode on their device.
Turning on this feature will increase the security defenses on your iPhone and will strictly limit certain functionalities.
This is done in order to reduce the amount of ways your phone could become vulnerable to a cyberattack.
According to Apple, the feature is an ‘extreme, optional protection that should only be used if you believe you may be personally targeted by a highly sophisticated cyberattack’.
As per a report by ZDNET, Ivan Krstić, who is Apple’s head of security engineering and architecture, described the Lockdown Mode as ‘a groundbreaking capability’.
He went on to say in a statement: “While the vast majority of users will never be the victims of highly targeted cyberattacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who are.
“That includes continuing to design defenses specifically for these users, as well as supporting researchers and organizations around the world doing critically important work in exposing mercenary companies that create these digital attacks.”