Apple warns iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to update the software (OS) to the latest version immediately. According to Apple, this update is intended to patch a security vulnerability that hackers could exploit related to code execution with kernel privileges.
The security vulnerabilities that exist in iOS, iPad, and macOS are not only theoretical but may be used by hackers to hack.
“We (Apple) have reports that this issue has been actively exploited. There may be an application running the malicious code,” Apple said in a statement.
What to Do
To solve this problem, Apple gadget users are asked to update iOS 14.7.1 or iPad OS 14.7.1 immediately. The update is available for devices from iPhone 6S, iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad 5th generation, iPad Mini 4, iPod touch 7th generation, or later iPad.
The iOS 14.7.1 and iPadOS 14.7.1 updates can now be downloaded over the air (OTA). Usually, the presence of this update is marked by the appearance of a special notification on the device.
However, if you don’t get the iOS 14.7.1 and iPadOS 14.7.1 update notifications, iPhone and iPad users can update the OS manually by accessing the “Settings” menu, then open the “General” option, then select the “Software Update” option.
Meanwhile, for Mac computer users, security vulnerability fixes are distributed through macOS Big Sur version 11.5.1. macOS software updates can be done by pressing the Apple-shaped icon in the upper left corner of the screen, then clicking the “About This Mac” option, then selecting “Software Update,” and clicking “Update Now.”
As an Apple user, you might be familiar with Search Marquis. A browser hijacker may lead your devices to its suspicious website right after you open your browser. There are ways to remove the search marquis from your Mac that you must also understand. Make sure to read each step carefully so your device can be more protected.
Other Useful Tips to Make Your Device Safer
Although in the early days of the macOS High Sierra update, there were many criticisms about Mac security, ranging from KRACK to the root access bug without a password, macOS is still considered more secure than Windows.
Apple is diligent and nimble in releasing security updates when security holes are found on Macs. For these kinds of things, it’s Apple’s business. Then as users, is there a way to improve the security of Macs and MacBooks?
You can apply some of these simple tips to make Macs and MacBooks more secure. Starting from being safer from attacks by malicious programs or malware such as viruses to the ignorance of the people around us.
Mac/MacBook Passwords
The most important first security tip is macOS passwords. Yes, this password is used when we log into the Desktop after turning on the Mac or starting the Mac from sleep.
Of course, you can log in without a password. But did you know that this password is also essential to maintain the access of other users who may not be responsible?
Not just logging into your Mac or MacBook, other people can also install malicious programs onto the macOS system. If this process involves system modifications, then macOS will ask for an administrator password before continuing.
If there is no Mac password, other people can freely enter the Mac and change system settings, delete files, install malicious programs, and so on. So you must create a password on the Mac. Just a tip, use a unique password different from the others but still safe and not easily guessed by others.
Guest User
If you want to let other people use your Mac or MacBook, our advice is never to give Admin account access. Isn’t it better to prevent something bad from happening?
Other people who borrowed your Macs could accidentally delete important files that belonged to you, or maybe they did bad things on purpose, installed malicious software, accessed the web that could potentially contain viruses, and so on.
The solution is to invite the person to use the Guest User. This mode will not be able to access all the settings and other things the admin can do. Files and all data in the Admin account cannot be accessed from this Guest User.
Two-Step Verification
Want additional security for Apple ID access? You can enable Two-Step Verification. This verification will involve the Mac and other Apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
macOS Firewall
A firewall is a system prepared to defend against unwanted access to or from a network. The point is that a Firewall makes network access more secure, whether it’s outgoing or incoming access.
If you are a person who likes Anti Virus software, you must also often hear the term Firewall. Some Anti Virus software often claims that their Firewall is the best of the best.
Fortunately, you don’t need to install any software because macOS already has a built-in Firewall feature. Just enable it, and Mac and MacBook users can get added security automatically.
Mac Application Install Options
The recommended software installed on macOS is only applications from the App Store and software from trusted developers. In addition, it is not recommended to install software from a less trusted party.
Even though you can, we recommend that you never install software from untrusted sources. Unless you know that the developer didn’t install any malicious programs, then, in this case, it doesn’t matter.
FileVault
FileVault is a feature that makes the startup disks on Macs and MacBooks encrypted. With all disk contents encrypted, the files become more secure, especially if you store much important information.
