by Tim Lemieux

Apple fans often brag that Apple devices are far less susceptible to hackers and security breaches than PCs and other devices. While that was the case in the past, you can no longer use Apple devices and blissfully assume you can’t or won’t be hacked or infected with malware.

Last Friday, without a lot of fanfare, Apple released iOS update 7.0.6. iPads and iPhones use the iOS operating system. This update fixes a coding mistake that could allow a hacker to capture the information you think you are securely sharing with an online merchant or when logging in on a secure connection. You can find a more technical explanation of this bug in this Gizmodo post.

The bottom line: if you are using an iPhone or iPad – install this update immediately. There is also an update for older iPod touches.

And note, this bug occurs in the OS X operating system as well – the OS for all Apple computers. Apple has promised an update to fix OS X – watch for it and install it when it becomes available. Until it comes out, best to use Chrome or Firefox as your browser.

The Cybercrime and Law Firms issue of LAWPRO Magazine (published Dec 2013) has more information on the steps you need to take to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data on your firm’s systems, computers and other devices.

Categories: Technology