Apple Urges iPhone, iPad Users to Update Their Devices Immediately

Apple issued a warning this week urging iPhone and iPad users to immediately update their system's software to the newly released iOS and iPadOS 14.4.

I'm normally very leery about updating my devices because I feel like it ends up with new glitches (probably just in my head). However, after Tuesday's warning, I figured it was probably a good idea especially since there was a security threat that's tied to your internet browser.

The company explained that one vulnerability, which is linked to the web browser rendering engine, WebKit, may allow remote hackers access to a device. Which simply means, attackers could take control of your phone.

The second threat is known as a kernel vulnerability, which is even more serious.

Katie Moussouris, CEO and founder of cybersecurity firm Luta Security:

Kernel vulnerabilities, just by their nature are going to be more serious. The kernel is part of the brain of the operating system. It's supposed to be the most protected... For sure, you know this is a serious issue.

Apple says the issues are fixed and all you have to do is update your device to the latest operating system. They say updating your device is the most important thing you can do to maintain security. I guess that's something I should probably start doing.

The security flaws impact the iPhone 6s and later, the iPad Air 2 and later, the iPad mini 4 and later, and the iPod touch (7th generation).