EMERGENCY PATCH ALERT

If you use Apple Products, update NOW. Please.

Okay, so this one is kinda bad…

What’s Going On?!

Happy Friday! Kind of. I rarely write these alerts, but today it’s required reading.

Right now, as I write this, most of your Apple devices can be compromised by malicious hackers. This is what’s known as a “zero-day” exploit: a discovered way to bypass security that is currently on your device. Zero-days can be used to grab data or even control your device.

So, you know: serious.

Making matters worse, the exploit works by sending images via iMessage and doesn’t even require users to open or click the message.

So, you know: serious. So serious that top security professionals are now recommending that - for those who work in professions where privacy and security are essential - to enable lockdown mode on your devices.

This might include you if you work in government, the press, of if you’re a political dissident.

Does This Make Apple Terrible?

No. Malicious hackers find zero-days on ALL software platforms, including Apple.

Update Now

Please take 5-10min of your time — right now — and update all of your Apple devices. If you don’t know, here’s a brief breakdown:

• On macOS, click through to →System Settings→General→Software Updates.

• On iOS and iPadOS, tap through to Settings→General→Software Updates

• For watchOS, use your iPhone. Tap through to Apple Watch.app→My Watch tab→General→Software Update

Below, you’ll find Apple’s notes on why these security updates are essential:

• iOS 16.6.1 and iPadOS 16.6.1 - iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later

• macOS Ventura 13.5.2 - macOS devices running macOS Ventura

• watchOS 9.6.2 - Apple Watch Series 4 and later

Here’s what you’ll see on your screens for iOS and macOS

Head to your device's software update preferences to find these

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Once you’ve completed this task, then yes: HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND!

Upcoming episodes will dive into these topics:

1. The Fediverse, the answer to today’s social media?

2. The free video library tool that I use to save thousands of dollars a year

If you’d like full access to those episodes and ALL upcoming and past episodes, please subscribe!

Surf safe, y’all…