Apple users beware! Critical flaw could see your device hacked

Published

4 years ago

September 14, 2021

The major tech platform is urging all of their users to update their software immediately following new research.

Apple users warned to update device software

Apple says a critical vulnerability has been detected that enables Israeli spyware company NSO Group to take control over any Apple device, whether that be computer, watch or phone.

It comes as researchers at The Citizen Lab made the discovery on Monday.

“While analyzing the phone of a Saudi activist infected with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, we discovered a zero-day zero-click exploit against iMessage,” researchers said.

“The exploit, which we call FORCEDENTRY, targets Apple’s image rendering library, and was effective against Apple iOS, MacOS and WatchOS devices.”

The malicious software hacks devices after sending a message through iMessage.

They then start controlling devices through a flaw in Apple’s image processing systems.

An attack on users without warning

But what researchers find most alarming is that devices are hacked without the user knowing as they don’t have to click on a link or download a file to grant the hacker permission to take over.

“The user sees crickets while their iPhone is silently exploited,” Researcher John Scott-Railton says.

“Someone sends you a GIF that isn’t, and then you’re in trouble. That’s it. You don’t see a thing.”

While all users are being urged to update their software, government groups are likely to be a key-target as they use NSO group’s software.

A breach of trust?

The spyware company creates surveillance and hacking software that governments often rent to investigate the computer and smartphone activity of criminals.

Usually, this is done lawfully with NSO saying it can’t be used to target the devices of American citizens.

However, prior research has found this is not always the case, with reports suggesting their Pegasus software has been used against Mexican journalists and Saudi Arabia protestors.

Despite this, NSO reassures its users that it will continue to supply their services to help prevent criminal behaviour online.

“NSO Group will continue to provide intelligence and law enforcement agencies around the world with life saving technologies to fight terror and crime,” an NSO spokesperson said.

No comments are yet to be made on the discovery of Apple’s critical vulnerability.

Here’s what users should do next

Meanwhile, Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of Security Engineering and Architecture, says he is grateful to Citizen Lab for alerting the company on the exploit.

“Attacks like the ones described are highly sophisticated, cost millions of dollars to develop, often have a short shelf life, and are used to target specific individuals.”
Ivan Krstić said in a statement

For those who are concerned, Citizen Lab researchers urge users to stay alert and to monitor their phone activity.

Additionally, paying attention to software updates and installing them will also help with preventing future bug issues that could lead to devices being hacked.

“[Software updates] will prevent you from being infected with this exploit going forward,” Researcher John Scott-Railton says.

“But what we know is NSO is always trying to find other ways to infect people’s phones, and they may turn to something else.”

Written by Rebecca Borg

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Apple postpones iPhone Air sequel due to poor sales

Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2025

Ahron Young

Apple delays iPhone Air 2 indefinitely after lacklustre sales of first model

In Short:
– Apple has postponed the iPhone Air’s launch due to poor sales of the current model.
– Production of the iPhone Air will stop, with Foxconn and Luxshare ceasing manufacturing by November and October respectively.

Apple has delayed the launch of its second-generation iPhone Air, which was scheduled for fall 2026, due to disappointing sales of the current model that debuted two months ago, as reported by The Information.Engineers and suppliers have been informed that the iPhone Air will be removed from the production schedule without a new release date.

The decision coincides with a significant reduction in the production of the existing model. Foxconn is expected to cease all manufacturing by the end of November, while Luxshare will stop production by the end of October.

Sales for the iPhone Air have not met Apple’s expectations since its launch in September. Foxconn has limited its production lines for the device, and future orders are projected to decrease significantly. A survey indicated nearly no demand for the iPhone Air, with consumers instead choosing the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models.

Production Challenges

The underperformance of the iPhone Air continues a trend of failed attempts by Apple to add a fourth model to its lineup.

The iPhone mini was previously discontinued after poor sales, followed by the larger Plus models, which faced similar challenges.

Apple had intended to develop a lighter second-generation iPhone Air with improved specifications but may now reconsider its design approach. The company also has plans for a staggered launch of the iPhone 18 lineup set for 2026 and early 2027.

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Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges

Published

1 week ago

November 4, 2025

Ahron Young

Tech giants commit $47.7 billion to AI deals as demand for computing power soars and market diverges

In Short:
– Wall Street started November mixed as AI deals boosted tech stocks, especially Amazon’s share price after a major agreement.
– OpenAI plans $1.4 trillion investment for computing resources, with Big Tech predicting over $250 billion AI infrastructure spending this year.

Wall Street began the month with mixed performances as major artificial intelligence deals influenced tech stocks positively, while broader market indices diverged.

Amazon’s shares rose over 5% following a significant $38 billion cloud services agreement with OpenAI, contributing to gains for the Nasdaq despite a decline in the Dow.The seven-year collaboration with Amazon Web Services marks OpenAI’s first major partnership with AWS, offering access to Nvidia graphics processing units essential for its AI expansion.

Amazon commented on the soaring demand for computing power resulting from rapid AI advancements, aiming for full capacity deployment by the end of 2026.

Microsoft also sealed a $9.7 billion agreement with IREN, highlighting the industry’s insatiable need for cloud capacity.

The collaborations depict Big Tech’s ongoing commitment to AI infrastructure, with significant investments aimed at catering to the escalating demand for computing resources.

Investment Perspective

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed intentions to invest $1.4 trillion to create 30 gigawatts of computing resources.

Major players, including Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, have adjusted their capital expenditure forecasts for 2025, anticipating AI infrastructure spending to surpass $250 billion this year.

Despite market caution regarding inflated valuations, analysts remain optimistic about growth in the sector. Even amidst fears of an AI bubble, industry leaders assert ongoing investments will continue to bolster market performance through 2026.

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Xi proposes global AI governance at APEC summit

Xi proposes global AI governance body at APEC, positioning China as trade alternative to US and promoting green technology circulation

Published

1 week ago

November 2, 2025

Ahron Young

Xi proposes global AI governance body at APEC, positioning China as trade alternative to US and promoting green technology circulation

In Short:
– Xi Jinping proposed a global body to govern artificial intelligence at the APEC leaders’ meeting.
– The proposed organisation aims to enhance AI collaboration and benefit international development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a global body to govern artificial intelligence during the APEC leaders’ meeting, aiming to establish China as an alternative to the United States in trade cooperation.This marked Xi’s first major comments on the initiative announced earlier this year. The United States has so far rejected the idea of regulating AI through international bodies.

Xi suggested that a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization could create governance rules and enhance collaboration, framing AI as a “public good for the international community.” He emphasized the importance of AI for future development, stating it should benefit people across all nations.

Chinese officials indicated that the proposed organization could be based in Shanghai, China’s commercial hub. U.S. President Donald Trump attended the summit but left after a meeting with Xi, amidst ongoing tensions regarding trade and technology controls between the two countries.

AI Governance

Analysts expected Xi to leverage the summit to promote China as a leader in multilateral trade and economic development.

California-based Nvidia plays a crucial role in the AI sector, while China-based developer DeepSeek has introduced cost-effective AI models to support Beijing’s goals for algorithmic independence.

Xi called on APEC to facilitate the free circulation of green technologies, reflecting China’s dominance in this sector. APEC members agreed on a joint declaration addressing AI and ageing populations during the summit. The 2026 summit will take place in Shenzhen, a city transformed from a fishing village into a manufacturing powerhouse since the 1980s.

APEC represents 21 nations, accounting for half of global trade.