Apple users urged to upgrade OS after hack

Users of iPhone and other Apple devices have been told to update to a new operating system rushed out by the firm to overcome a potential risk of hacking.

The move comes after tech security company Cisco Talos highlighted a loophole in the iOS operating systems used by Apple gadgets. It meant that hackers could get through security controls by attaching malicious code to images sent by text message, links in malicious web pages, or other applications that use Apple software to process such files.

“It would be a malicious file embedded in something like a picture in TIFF or other format, or sent directly to your phone by message if they had your number. Some files are automatically processed by devices even if the user is only seeing a preview without opening it,” said Urban Schrott, IT security analyst with ESET Ireland.