All iPhones, iPads, Macs And Other Apple Devices In India Are At Hacking Risk! What CERT-In and Apple Have Said..
Millions Of iPhones, iPads, Macs And Other Apple Devices In India Are At Hacking Risk: Here's What You Should Do Right Now
Alert: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high-severity warning for all Apple users in India. Vulnerabilities in iPhones, iPads, and Macs could allow hackers to gain full control over your device. Here’s what you need to know and the steps to protect your data immediately.
⚠️ Why Apple Devices Are at Risk
According to CERT-In, multiple security flaws have been discovered in Apple operating systems that could be exploited remotely. These vulnerabilities could allow attackers to execute malicious code, steal sensitive data, or even take complete control of the device without user interaction.
Apple confirmed the vulnerabilities and has already released security patches through its latest iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates. However, millions of users in India are yet to update their devices, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
📱 Affected Devices Include:
- iPhones running older versions of iOS before the latest update
- iPads with unpatched iPadOS releases
- MacBooks and iMacs running outdated macOS versions
- Apple Watch and Apple TV devices using outdated firmware
If your device hasn’t been updated recently, it could be exposed to critical security flaws that allow attackers to install spyware or steal your personal information.
💀 What Is a “Zero-Click” Attack?
A zero-click attack doesn’t require any action from the user — no clicking links or opening attachments. It can silently infect a device through messaging apps, photos, or system processes. These types of attacks have been used in advanced spyware operations like Pegasus.
🇮🇳 Why the Warning Is Critical for India
India is one of Apple’s fastest-growing markets, with millions of iPhone users. CERT-In’s advisory suggests that cybercriminals and state-backed groups are actively targeting Indian users and organizations. Because of this, Indian users must act swiftly to secure their devices.
📢 What CERT-In and Apple Have Said
CERT-In released an official advisory (CIAD-2025-0041) rating the vulnerabilities as “high severity.” The agency recommends that all Apple users immediately install the latest updates to prevent exploitation.
Apple has confirmed that the vulnerabilities affect its WebKit browser engine, kernel components, and certain system frameworks. The patches released in recent updates address these issues.
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Protect Your Apple Devices
Go to Settings → General → Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. Download and install the latest iOS or iPadOS update.
For Macs, open System Settings → General → Software Update and install all available macOS updates.
Restart your device after the update to ensure the patches are fully applied.
Update all your apps from the App Store — especially messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your Apple ID. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Password & Security → Two-Factor Authentication.
Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks and never open unknown links sent via SMS or social media.
🔍 Signs That Your Device Might Be Hacked
- Sudden battery drain or overheating
- Sluggish performance or unexpected restarts
- New apps appearing that you didn’t install
- Increased mobile data or Wi-Fi usage
- Suspicious pop-ups or login prompts
🏢 For Businesses and Organizations
Enterprises should immediately ensure that all Apple devices connected to their networks are updated. IT administrators should push updates via MDM tools and enforce security compliance across all company devices. Failure to patch could result in sensitive corporate data being compromised.
🧠 Expert Recommendations
- Update Immediately: Don’t delay updates. The longer you wait, the higher the risk.
- Use Only Trusted Apps: Download apps exclusively from the official App Store.
- Enable Auto Updates: Turn on automatic updates for iOS and macOS to get patches as soon as they’re released.
🔄 Should You Factory Reset Your iPhone or Mac?
If you suspect your device has already been compromised, perform a factory reset. Before doing so, back up your data securely using iCloud or an encrypted local backup. After the reset, install updates and change all your passwords from a trusted device.
💬 Common Questions
Q1: I already updated. Am I safe?
Yes, if you have installed the latest updates, your device is protected from the vulnerabilities mentioned in the advisory.
Q2: What about older iPhones?
Devices that no longer receive Apple’s security updates are at higher risk. It’s strongly recommended to upgrade to a supported device.
Q3: Do antivirus apps help?
Apple devices are sandboxed, so third-party antivirus apps have limited access. The best defense is keeping your software updated and avoiding suspicious links or attachments.
📎 Important Links & Official Resources
🧭 Final Takeaway
Millions of Apple users in India are currently at risk from newly discovered vulnerabilities. But there’s no need to panic — timely action can keep your data and devices safe. Update your iPhone, iPad, or Mac immediately, enable two-factor authentication, and stay alert for further advisories.
Cyber threats evolve every day, but so does Apple’s defense. The real danger lies in user negligence — not updating, not backing up, and ignoring security alerts. Protect your digital life today.
