Apple has announced a limited distribution of security updates for the iOS 18 operating system, addressing the recently identified hacking tool, DarkSword. Traditionally, the company has implemented a more recent operating system version policy; however, iOS 26 is still stable and secure, leaving millions of users on older operating systems vulnerable. The security update is designed to remediate an exploit that allows hackers to gain complete control of an iPhone simply by visiting an iPhone-compatible webpage.
Key Takeaways:
- Apple is patching iOS 18 to block the DarkSword exploit used in real-world attacks.
- The hack can infect an iPhone quietly if a user visits a compromised website.
- This is the second time recently that Apple has backported security fixes to older versions.
- Most active attacks have focused on surveillance and theft of cryptocurrency.
- Users are still encouraged to upgrade to iOS 26 for the most complete protection.
Apple Breaks its Software Update Tradition
Apple has historically enforced a policy around device safety. Users wishing to have the latest security features had to update to the new version of the OS. Users of older systems would have to frustratingly update to the newest supported version or remain unprotected. These policies have changed as a result of the DarkSword hack.
Apple has patched iOS 18 as a result of DarkSword. DarkSword is a backport, which is a method of retroactively applying a security fix to an older version of software. Backporting is a method Apple is using to address security concerns and patch older iOS versions. Apple spoke to Wired about this and confirmed that users with the auto-update feature enabled would bypass the iOS 26 requirement and receive the update.
Reasons for Users Continuing with iOS 18
Users switching from iOS 18 to 18 have been noticed to be continuing with iOS 18 due to a number of reasons such as concerns of having to pay more for a liquid glass interface form of iOS 18 and concerns over having to pay for having more storage for the software needing to be updated in the first place as well as concerns over having to pay more in the long run for needing to pay for having to purchase more storage as well as concerns over experiencing a reduction in the overall processing capabilities of their phone. Concerns over experiencing an increase in time as a result of the phone taking a longer time to perform the processing task for which the phone was designed for.
Elevating Risks from DarkSword and Coruna
Hackers utilizing DarkSword for high-level digital surveillance and monetary theft. DarkSword uses code embedded in hacked and normal websites. When a user clicks a link or visits the site, the malware is designed to circumvent the user’s mobile device protection.
Another recent threat is the Coruna toolkit. This resulted in Apple making multiple iOS 17 updates. Experts in the field noted the response to DarkSword was considerably slow. It was documented that the DarkSword exploit was rampant for a number of days prior to a defense being implemented. Experts noted that protection for antiquated versions of the operating system in the absence of a response should be considered a standard practice.
FAQ
Q1: What is the DarkSword hack?
A1: DarkSword is a hacking technique that uses the pre-installed iPhone software. It enables the hacker to take over the iPhone once the victim views a certain webpage. It has been used to spy and steal victims’ cryptocurrency.
Q2: How to install the new iOS 18 security update?
A2: The security update is found by following the path: Settings > General > Software Update. If the iPhone is on iOS 18, the update should pop up. If the security update is found on the iPhone, it will be installed on the iPhone automatically once the iPhone is charging and the iPhone has been updated overnight.
Q3: Is ios 26 vulnerable to this attack?
A3: No. Apple has stated that the DarkSword exploit is not available on ios 26. The most recent version of iOS 26 has security measures to prevent this type of attack.
Q4: Why did Apple issue a security patch for an older version of iOS?
A4: This is because several million users of iOS 18 were experiencing live threats, and Apple typically doesn’t patch bugs in older versions. Because iOS 18 is an older version, and Apple assumed the DarkSword threat to be very serious.
