Apple released patches for iOS and macOS to plug a zero-day vulnerability that was possibly being exploited in the wild. An anonymous cybersecurity researcher tracked the vulnerability known as CVE-2023-23529, but it’s unclear if someone was able to leverage it before Apple reacted.
In addition to the zero-day vulnerability, Apple also patched a kernel code execution error reported by Google Project Zero and Pangu Lab. The issues could have exposed user data if taken advantage of; however, Apple didn’t report any known incidents.
Apple claims that neither vulnerability has been exploited by known hacker groups. That said, if you have an Apple device you should take security precautions to protect your data. Up to 9 iOS vulnerabilities may have been exploited since 2022 and other large tech companies like Google are also affected by zero-day exploits.
Zero-Day Exploits Are Becoming a Major Problem
This zero-day vulnerability is Apple’s first for 2023, but last year 9 of them may have been exploited. 2021 wasn’t much better either, with researchers discovering 7 zero-day vulnerabilities.
It may not sound like much, but zero-day attacks are sneaky and it can take a long time before a company comes out with information about them. The bug can also stay undiscovered for a while because there’s no evidence that something is wrong in the first place.
Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for zero-day vulnerabilities to exploit because they can use them to steal confidential information and valuable data sets. Malicious parties sometimes follow up with ransomware attacks that threaten to release the data they stole. Either way, your information might end up in someone else’s hands and the effect might not kick in for months or even years later.
Zero-day vulnerabilities are part of the industry and no app or device is perfect, even if it’s released by Apple, Microsoft, or Google. Only you can protect your data and prevent your digital identity from being stolen.
How to Protect Your Data from Zero-Day Exploits
Zero-day attacks are unpredictable, so prevention is your main protection method. Follow these steps to keep your information safe:
- Update your system. System updates come with security patches, like the vulnerability patch Apple released recently. Perform regular updates to make sure your system is protected by the latest security measures.
- Update your browser. Zero-day attackers are notorious for exploiting browser vulnerabilities, especially when it comes to Apple devices. Make sure your browser is up-to-date.
- Install only necessary apps. This might sound like paranoia, but fewer apps mean fewer possible backdoors. Keep app use to a minimum and make sure everything you install comes from a legitimate source.
- Install a VPN. Connect through an encrypted network to protect your data and keep snoopers away. Try CyberGhost VPN for maximum security on up to 7 devices without leaving a trace for cyberattackers to exploit.
- Use a firewall. Firewalls are a major line of defense and you should always use one. It protects you from dangerous traffic, malware, and cyberattackers who are trying to access your network.
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