MILLIONS of iPhone users are taking a “major” security risk amid concerns they are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks.
That’s according to a tech expert, who has warned of outdated security checks on some popular models.
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These “obsolete” phones will still work for basic functions such as email and texts – but there’s a catch.
While they will also be suitable for using basic apps they have not been receiving high-end security updates.
The tech expert has warned that from August 7 2024, only iPhone models XS and later have been receiving critical updates.
This means those who use their phone for online banking or store sensitive information could be at risk of attack.
Important note
It’s also worth noting that anyone with an iPhone XS and XR will not be able to install iOS 26, which is due to be released in just a few days’ time.
“The phrase ‘obsolete iPhone’ doesn’t mean your phone stops working overnight,” explained a spokesperson for Outplayed.
“But it does mean Apple has stopped providing the security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
“That’s a critical distinction many users don’t understand.”
Several models have not been receiving security updates since July 2024.
These include iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X.
Anyone with an iPhone 6 or earlier is being warned that these are now classified as “fully obsolete”.
These measures are in keeping with Apple’s commitment to continue with security updates for six years.
Experts warn that cyber attackers have been known to use a phone’s lack of updated security to hack phones.
“These are security flaws that hackers are actively exploiting,” said the spokesperson.
“Any device that doesn’t get updated is at risk of becoming compromised by threat actors.”
Common attacks
Cyber attacks on smartphones are becoming increasingly common.
Earlier this year Apple warned millions of iPhone users to update their devices immediately after a security breach saw hackers take control.
The industry giant issued emergency security updates after they were targeted by “extremely sophisticated” attacks.
The fault came after the USB Restricted Mode security feature failed.
Apple urged users to update as hackers could be able to gain “full admin access”.
This would allow the cyber criminals to run any software in the device owner’s name.
