Apple has released a security update that fixes a problem with the Wi-Fi chip in the iPhone, which could have let cyber criminals access a phone while it was searching for a connection.
Using the problem, hackers could have found phones with Wi-Fi switched on, remotely taken over the chip that powers Wi-Fi, and crashed the device.
Android devices were also affected by the problem, called the Broadpwn exploit, and Google issued an update at the beginning of the month. Described as a "critical" flaw it affected devices from numerous brands including Samsung and HTC.
Apple released a fix for the Broadpwn exploit in an update that patches an additional 46 flaws in iOS 10. They include a bugs in Messages, Safari, Notifications and Contacts, as well as a way to take over devices using WebKit. Users are advised to apply the update in order to keep their devices secure from would-be cyber criminals.
Tips to secure your iPhone from hackers
1. Use a PIN or fingerprint securityLocking your screen will protect your sensitive data and apps from meddling
2) Use a longer passphrase
Go to your settings app, then “Touch ID & Passcode” and turn “Simple Passcode” off. This will allow you to create a longer and more complex passcode with upper and lowercase letters, numbers and other symbols
3) Activate self-destruct
You can tell your phone to delete all data if it thinks someone is trying to break in. Under the same page on Settings you can enable “erase data” - this will wipe the phone clean after ten incorrect guesses at the PIN
4) Increase your privacy settings
Go into your settings app and then the “privacy” tab. Here you will be able to see which apps have which privileges, and turn them off/on.
5) Turn off notifications
The ability to see a summary of notifications on the lock screen is handy, but if that gives away personal or confidential data then you could be in trouble. Remember, it will show the contents of messages you receive, your calendar for that day and various other things. You can set notifications to hide the contents of messages in iMessage and WhatsApp
6) Disable Siri when locked
Siri can leak data even when your phone is locked. Go to settings, then “Touch ID & passcode” and set “Allow access when locked” on Siri to Off.
7) Type it for yourself
AutoFill is a handy feature that does exactly what it says on the tin: any time that Safari sees a box asking for your name, username, password or credit card details, it fills them in for you. This is fine, unless someone else happens to be using your phone. To turn it off, go to settings, then general and “Passwords & AutoFill”.
The Wi-Fi problem was discovered by Nitay Artenstein, a security researcher at Exodus Intelligence. Other key problems Apple has now fixed were discovered by Google's Project Zero, independent researchers and Apple.
Apple regularly releases updates that fix security bugs before they're exploited. Earlier this year it issued an urgent fix for an arsenal of spying bugs revealed by Wikileaks in the Vault 7 files.
The iPhone giant advises users to always download the latest software in order to keep their devices secure. Other tips include having a strong, unique passcode, turn off notifications and disable Siri for when the handset is locked.
The iOS 10.3.3 update comes just months before the company releases iOS 11, the software designed for the iPhone 8. The latest software includes phone-to-phone Apple Pay, a redesigned control and notifications centre, and a "do not disturb while driving" mode.
