iOS 14.8 has just been released by Apple. The update doesn't bring any new features, but you should immediately install it on your iPhone.
Importantly, iOS 14.8 did not pass the beta test version. Because this update is urgent because it brings security hole fixes.
This update patched a loophole that allowed spyware used by Israel-based NSO Group to infect iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac computers without the user needing to click anything.
The exploit is serious enough for Apple to fix it right away since the Cupertino tech giant was alerted last Tuesday by Canadian cybersecurity firm Citizen Lab, the New York Times reported.
In addition to iOS 14.8, Apple released iPadOS 14.8, watchOS 7.6.2, and macOS Big Sur 11.6, which users recommend downloading and installing immediately. Apple states that the next iOS 15 software update will feature a similar spyware barrier.
As is known Spyware Pegasus and can infect iPhone devices without the knowledge of the owner. After infecting the iPhone, Pegasus can control the camera and microphone and activate both. It can also record messages, texts, emails, and calls and send them to NSO clients in governments around the world. Even encrypted messages sent via apps like Signal are not protected when Pegasus infects phones.
One of the researchers who helped find the spyware, John Scott-Railton, Senior Researcher from Citizen Lab, said, "This spyware can do everything an iPhone user can do on their device and more."
And because of its zero-click capability, users won't receive the usual signs that their phone is infected, such as suspicious links sent via text or email. As such, iPhone owners may not or even be late discovering that their device has been infested with spyware.
The NSO Group admits to selling spyware only to governments that meet human rights standards. But in reality, over the last six years, Pegasus spyware has appeared on the phones of activists, lawyers, opposition, doctors, children, and nutritionists in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and others. Last month the Washington Post revealed the results of an investigation by the NSO Group that the cellphones of 37 journalists and human rights activists were infected.
That's why Apple said that this update is recommended to be installed immediately by all users. To download iOS 14.8 you only need to do the following steps:
Open Settings
Select General
Press Software Update
Once available click Download and Install
Follow the process until the installation is complete
