Apple Releases Update After Mac User Cyberattacks

Yesterday, Apple recommended customers download updates to fix two security bugs

First of all, this is really only a concern for you if you have an older Apple laptop. The discovered exploit only affects MacBooks with Intel processors. That excludes MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later, plus MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020), MacBook Air introduced in 2022 or later, plus MacBook Air (M1, 2020), iMac introduced in 2021 or later, Mac mini introduced in 2020 or later, Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later and Mac Pro introduced in 2023. These all run Apple Silicon and are unaffected.

However, if you do have an older MacBook, you should immediately update to any available software updates that your device is showing. Apple has stated that this particularly affects macOS Sequoia 15.1.1.

As you read more about this you’ll find this bugs are referred to as “zero day bugs”. A “zero day bug” is a software flaw that was unknown to the software maker before it was discovered and exploited by attackers. Since the company had zero days to fix it before it was used against people, it’s called a “zero day.” In short, it’s a security problem that hackers found and used before anyone else even knew it existed.

It’s unknown how many customers are affected, but the fact it’s a “zero day” bug means some people have been caught out. It was discovered by Clément Lecigne and Benoît Sevens of Google’s Threat Analysis Group. This group looks into government-backed hacking which suggests there has been something spotted and uncovered.

I’d recommend what ever Apple device you have, it’s worth just going to check if there’s an update there to be completed. For safety sake.