New Delhi, April 9, 2025: If you use iPhone, iPad, Mac or any other Apple device, then this news is very important for you. The Government of India has warned Apple users to be cautious, as serious security flaws found in these devices can become a golden opportunity for hackers. Experts say that if users do not update their devices immediately, then their personal information and complete control over the device can be at risk.

CERT-In’s warning: Danger looms over privacy

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), working under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has recently issued a security alert. This alert (CIVN-2025-0071) states that several vulnerabilities have been found in Apple’s operating systems—iOS, iPadOS, macOS—and Safari browser. These flaws are so serious that cybercriminals can break into users’ devices, steal sensitive data or take over the device completely.

“We have observed that these vulnerabilities are more effective in older software versions. Users should immediately update their devices to the latest version,” a senior CERT-In official said on condition of anonymity. He says that this warning is for individual users as well as companies that use Apple devices in their work.

Which devices are at risk?

According to the report, this threat is most prevalent among those users who do not update their devices. The affected versions include models older than 18.4, 17.7.6, 16.7.11 and 15.8.4 of iOS and iPadOS. Apart from this, versions before macOS Sequoia 15.4, Sonoma 14.7.5 and Ventura 13.7.5, Apple TV versions older than tvOS 18.4 and versions before visionOS 2.4 are also at risk.

Delhi cyber security expert Rohan Mehra explains, “Older versions do not have software patches that can fix these flaws. Hackers take advantage of these vulnerabilities. Once the device is hacked, everything from the user’s bank details, passwords and personal photos can be at risk.”

What can be the harm?

The CERT-In report clearly states that by taking advantage of these security flaws, cyber criminals can gain complete control over the device. This will not only violate the privacy of users, but will also increase the risk of financial loss. For example, hackers can send messages, make calls or sell your personal files on the dark web from your phone.

“I had heard that phone hacking incidents are on the rise, but did not know that my iPhone could also be at risk,” says Shalini Verma, a marketing professional from Noida. “Now I will update my phone immediately. It is scary that someone can break into your life so easily.”

Way of protection: Update immediately

The good news is that it is not difficult to avoid this threat. CERT-In has advised users to update their devices immediately. For this, just go to the settings and click on the ‘Software Update’ option and download the latest version. Apple has also released new updates to fix these flaws, which will strengthen the security of users.

“This is an easy step, but people often ignore it. It takes 10 minutes to update, but it can keep your data and privacy safe for months,” suggested cyber security consultant Anuj Tyagi.

Increasing threat, increasing responsibility

In the digital age, smartphones have become an important part of our lives. But along with this, the scope of cyber threats is also increasing. Experts believe that the government and tech companies need to work together to make users aware. At the same time, users also have to understand their responsibility.
For now, if you are an Apple device user, then check your phone, tab or laptop without delay. A small update can save you from major losses. This warning from the government is not just an alert, but a call for your digital safety.