MILLIONS of phone owners must check their settings – or risk serious online danger.
The end of 2022 saw both iPhone and Android receive major security updates.
These close serious security holes that could give hackers an easy way into your device.
And ignoring the updates could cost you dearly – as those holes won't be fixed.
Update your iPhone
The latest iOS 16.2 update is now widely available, and you should get it as soon as possible.
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The iOS update fixes 35 security vulnerabilities uncovered by Apple.
And it also includes the iOS 16.1.2 fixes, which repair a dangerous hole that may have been exploited by hackers.
"Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution," Apple explained.
"Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against versions of iOS released before iOS 15.1."
You can easily update your iPhone by going into Settings > General > Software Update.
Consider turning Automatic Updates on so that you have the best protections as soon as they're available.
Sadly, not all iPhone models can get the latest iOS 16 update.
Here's a list of the all the supported devices:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
If your iPhone is too old to be updated, you should consider upgrading as soon as possible.
Update your Android
Google also rolled out dozens of fixes in the final weeks of 2022.
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And just like Apple, Google also fixed a bug that allowed hackers to take control of your devices.
That's why it's important to update your Android phone as soon as possible.
You should normally receive a notification when a new Android version is available.
Tap that and you'll be guided through the update process.
However it's also possible to update your Android phone manually.
Go to Settings > System > System Update.
This will reveal whether you need an update, and guide you through the process.
It's worth remembering that updating handsets isn't just important for security.
Updates also fix annoying bugs, and often introduce brand new features.
So if you want the best possible phone experience, updating is the way to go.
It's a very serious issue if you have an Android phone that can no longer be updated.
That means you won't be getting any of the latest protections.
If that's the case, consider upgrading your Android handset as soon as possible.
Otherwise you're taking a big risk that could cause you a major headache down the line.
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