Receiving a text with a single image could corrupt your iPhone. According to the Mirror, Apple is warning users to update their phones immediately. A new security patch fixes a major vulnerability that could allow hackers to access private data with a single, malicious image.
The company has rolled out iOS 18.5 to address this critical issue for all users with an iPhone XS or newer.
The vulnerability: what Apple found
Apple’s support documentation says the update fixes a flaw where processing a “maliciously crafted image” could lead to “unexpected app termination or corrupt process memory.” In simple terms, hackers could crash your apps or gain access to sensitive parts of your device.
The update also patches a FaceTime issue where muting the microphone didn’t actually silence audio, potentially compromising users’ privacy.
iPhone immunity? Maybe not anymore
While Apple has never officially claimed iPhones are immune to viruses, the brand’s reputation has long held that iOS devices are safer than others. That belief is now being tested as hackers grow more sophisticated.
As recently as April, Apple issued an emergency update in response to what it called “an extremely sophisticated attack.” That vulnerability involved Apple’s WebKit engine, which powers Safari, and could allow hackers to break out of the browser’s sandbox.
In simpler terms, tech company HeyCoach describes a sandbox as a playpen that keeps websites isolated from the rest of your phone. If hackers escape it, they could access deeper parts of your device, including apps, files, and personal data on both iPhones and Macs.
2.6 billion records exposed
In 2023, Apple commissioned a study that found the number of data breaches had more than tripled between 2013 and 2022. In just two years — 2021 and 2022 — approximately 2.6 billion personal records were exposed.
This growing trend is part of what makes recent iOS updates so crucial for average users, not just corporate leaders or high-profile individuals.
How can people protect their data?
Cybersecurity experts at Safe Data Storage recommend several easy steps to boost your phone’s defenses:
- Disable message previews on your lock screen. That way, no one sees sensitive texts when your phone is unattended.
- Enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID to protect your account even if someone steals your password.
- Limit app permissions to data like photos, contacts, and location. Many apps request access without actually needing it to function.
contributed to this report.
