Smartphone, tablet, computer or smartwatch. We all use various electronic devices, often powered by software from some of the biggest tech companies. Well, several companies have released crucial security patches to fix bugs that hackers have already used. If you have Apple, Microsoft and Google devices, install these security updates.
Apple, Microsoft and Google: security updates
In March, Apple released iOS and iPadOS 16.4, which isn’t just for new emojis. The update includes a number of new features, along with 33 pretty heavy fixes for iOS security vulnerabilities. However, none of these appear to have been used in the attacks.
Notable bugs include flaws in WebKit, the engine that powers the Safari browser. But also those in the kernel, at the heart of the iPhone operating system, according to Apple’s support page.
Apple also released macOS Ventura 13.3, Safari 16.4, watchOS 9.4, tvOS 16.4, macOS Big Sur 11.7.5 from macOS M to fix various security issues in your other devices and software.
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Microsoft has had a busy month in terms of security, with the software giant it has been facing a number of critical vulnerabilities in its most popular products. March Patch Tuesday saw Microsoft release 89 updates for Windows and other Microsoft software. Among them was a fix for a very serious zero-day vulnerability in the Chromium-based Edge browser (CVE-2023-2788).
Anyone with an Android smartphone should pay attention to the March security bulletin from Google. Which includes fixes for over 50 security issues. Some of these vulnerabilities are very serious and could allow an attacker to remotely execute code on your device without your consent.
Another set of vulnerabilities involves modems Exynos manufactured by Samsung. These modems are used by many Android devices, including tons from Samsung, as well as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series from Google.
Added to these problems are those of Chrome, Firefox and almost all browsers. Proof that updating your software isn’t just about getting the latest features – it’s mostly about staying safe. Check for outdated updates.