Urgent warning for iPhone users after Apple is targeted by ‘extremely sophisticated’ security threat

An urgent warning has been issued to iPhone users after Apple has been the subject of ‘extremely sophisticated’ security threat.

While we can all do things to ensure our devices are as secure as they possibly can be, some things are out of a consumer's control.

And when a giant such as Apple is targeted, it can be a problematic situation for those who use the company's products on a daily basis.

Essentially, the tech company wants users to update their iPhones as soon as possible to ensure the risk to this threat is minimised.

A warning has been issued to iPhone users (Anna Barclay/Getty Images)

Those who haven't downloaded the security patch could potentially be left at risk, with Apple warning hackers could possibly take complete control of devices.

The updates, iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, are available to download on the iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later.

Meanwhile, the update is also an option on iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation, iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad 7th generation, and iPad mini 5th, and all the subsequent versions that followed.

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Apple said: "A physical attack may disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals."

The company noted: "For our customers' protection, Apple doesn't disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred and patches or releases are available."

The Daily Mail reports that there have so far been no reports of a hacker taking over an individual's Apple device, but the company has pre-warned its users nonetheless.

Users have been warned about hackers (Getty Stock Image)

Late last year, iPhone users were warned about a phishing email that could permanently lock them out of their Apple ID account.

The fraudulent email told users to click on a link to verify their account, redirecting them to another page that steals their login details like their username and password.

It also managed to knick two-factor authentication information, which led to Apple issuing a warning to its users.

"Apple will never ask you to log in to any website, or to tap Accept in the two-factor authentication dialog, or to provide your password, device passcode, or two-factor authentication code or to enter it into any website," the tech giant said on its website.

UNILAD has contacted Apple for further comment.