Apple iOS 16.6.1 update patches Pegasus vulnerability: Here’s how to update

The Citizen Lab also suggested all users to update their devices to the latest version and enable Lockdown Mode on their devices with Apple’s Security Engineering and Architecture team confirming that it blocks the particular attack.

Available on iPhones, iPads and Macs, it is a security feature that limits the functionalities of the device and is designed to “help protect users who may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware.”

To give you a quick recap, Pegasus is a spyware that can read text messages, snoop in on calls, track location and send images from a victim’s phone without their knowledge. In 2019, indianexpress.com had previously reported that the spyware used the popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp to spy on journalists and human rights activists.

iOS 16.6.1 update is available for iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad 5th generation or newer, iPad Air 3rd generation or later and iPad mini 5th generation or newer.

To install the update, open the ‘Settings’ app on your Apple device, head over to ‘General’ and click on ‘Software update’. After the update is downloaded, press the ‘Install Now’ button and you are done. Before downloading and installing the update, make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network and has at least 50 per cent battery.