"Apple" warns millions of iPhone users: install this update quickly

Following a major security breach, US tech giant Apple has warned millions of iPhone users to update their devices immediately.

Security flaw can be exploited by hackers

"Apple" has reported that USB Restricted Mode can be disabled on a locked iPhone device.

According to the company, this security flaw could be exploited by hackers to launch sophisticated attacks against specific targets.

"Apple" urges users to update their devices as soon as possible, as this vulnerability could give hackers full administrator access.

The devices affected by this security breach include iPhone XS and above, 13-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation and above, 11-inch iPad Pro 1st generation and above, iPad Air 3rd generation and above, iPad Air 7th generation and above and iPad mini 5th generation and above.

What is the USB Restricted Mode feature?

The authorisation problem has been solved with improved status management.

Updates are designed to address the USB Restricted Mode vulnerability, a feature Apple introduced in 2018 to protect devices. 

The feature automatically disables Lightning or USB ports if an iPhone or iPad is locked for more than an hour. Once the user authenticates and unlocks the device, the ports are restored.

This is Apple's way of preventing attacks that involve malicious cables being connected to the device.

Developed by Grayshift

According to Apple, Bill Marczak, a researcher at The Citizen Lab who reported the vulnerability, says the flaw could be exploited in a highly sophisticated attack against specific targets.

The USB Restricted Mode feature was developed after Grayshift introduced the GrayKey software. 

Grayshift is run by US intelligence agency contractors and a former Apple security engineer.

GrayKey has previously attracted criticism from privacy advocates and cyber security experts, who have warned that the technology could also fall into the hands of criminals.