Apple has issued an update for a major security flaw that could potentially allow hackers to break into your iPhone and steal personal and sensitive data such as account passwords and banking information.
The iOS bug allowed hackers to access an iPhone by sending a simple SMS that includes a modified image file.
When the iOS then tried to open the image, the file would then exploit the bug in order to access part of the device which is normally off limits to third party apps.
From there it could then run a malicious code from within the phone without the user being any the wiser.
Security experts warned that in opening the image, hackers would be able to access passwords to apps, emails or websites.
The security flaw is the result of an iOS bug in the way Apple’s mobile operating system opens TIFF image files.
The flaw was discovered by Cisco Talos engineer Tyler Bohan and as well as iOS also affects OS X Mac and is similar to the Stagefright bug that affected Android users.
Stagefright was found to allow hackers to potentially infect more than a billion smartphones by sending users a video file infected with malware.
How to protect yourself from the iOS bug security flaw
While Apple were quick to release a fix for the bug, iPhone and Mac users will still need to update to the latest version of iOS and OS X in order for the fix to take effect.
On an iPhone you can update by going to:
Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.
This will begin to upgrade your software to iOS 9.3.3, which is the latest version and is available on the iPhone 4S or later, iPad 2 or later and fifth generation iPod Touch.
From a Mac, click on the Apple icon or go to the App Store and select ‘Updates’.
