Pakistan’s cyber security teams have issued urgent warnings for citizens to update their Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs, to shield personal information from hackers. Both the National Cyber Emergency Response Team and Punjab’s cyber security team highlighted vulnerabilities in Apple devices lacking the latest security patches. Hackers can now take control of devices through suspicious photos or emails, activate cameras and microphones without consent, crash apps, and bypass security measures. Apple has released updates for iPhones running iOS 18.6, Macs with macOS 15.6, and Apple Watches on watchOS 11.6. Users are advised to install these updates promptly.
The National Cyber Security team emphasizes that safeguarding citizen data is a national security issue, citing concerns over weak systems in government and businesses, outdated computers, and risky cyber habits. Stolen information, such as CNIC numbers, health records, or bank details, can be exploited by criminal groups or hostile nations.
Citizens should update their devices, avoid suspicious emails and images, download apps only from official stores, and use strong passwords with two-factor authentication. Organizations are urged to update systems, train employees on cyber security, encrypt sensitive data, and adhere to data protection laws. This warning gains urgency as Pakistan establishes new bodies like the National Commission for Personal Data Protection to enhance data security. India’s cyber security team has issued similar alerts, underscoring the global nature of the threat.
