At the end of January, Apple announced that it released a new update for iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) which fixes some serious security flaws. There’s actually a long list of bugs that got fixed on Apple’s support article, but the main focus is on three issues.
The most worrisome aspect is that Apple says hackers “actively exploited” those vulnerabilities.
Do you have anything to worry about if you already use a VPN, though? After all, it secures your traffic, protecting it from hackers?
It’s not that simple. We’ll tell you all you need to know, so keep reading. Don’t worry – it’s a short article of diadiktiokaiasfalia.
So Will a VPN Protect You from Those Security Flaws?
No, unfortunately, there’s nothing a VPN can do about them. Here’s why – VPNs can only encrypt your Internet traffic. But these security issues affect the operating system and a browser engine (WebKit). Here’s a quick look at the vulnerabilities:
- The WebKit flaws – Hackers could abuse these two bugs to run arbitrary code on Safari (since it uses WebKit). Basically, that means they could have taken over your browser and do things like send your traffic to phishing sites.
- ● The OS flaw – This bug affects the kernel, which is the heart of your device’s operating system. By taking advantage of it, cybercriminals could gain elevated privileges through malicious apps. For example, they could use a fake weather app to gain access to sensitive information (your photos, contacts, messages, and more).
Should You Still Use a VPN Then?
Yes, of course. Just because it can’t protect you from these bugs (no third-party security software can, really) doesn’t mean they’re not useful.
You probably already know VPNs for Mac encrypts your traffic, which means hackers can’t spy on it anymore. But besides that, here’s what else they can do:
- Hide your IP to help you bypass firewalls, geo-blocks, and hide your digital footprints.
- Protect you from DoS and DDoS attacks by stopping hackers from finding your network.
- Block connections to malicious domains by using a firewall-like feature.
If you need help finding a good service, check out these VPNs from ProPrivacy. They’re stress-tested to make sure they provide the most secure, efficient, and convenient experience for all iOS users.
How to Protect Yourself from the Security Flaws
It’s pretty simple – just update your iOS to version 14.4. Apple fixed all the security flaws in it.
To do that, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > General.
- Now, head to Software Downloads.
- Tap Download and Install.
And that’s it. Just wait for the update to finish downloading and installing, and you’ll no longer have to worry about these vulnerabilities.
IMPORTANT – Turn on Automatic Updates
Yes, random updates are annoying, but they’re also very useful. If this setting is enabled, you’ll never be vulnerable to iOS security flaws because you forgot to install the latest updates.
Here’s how to enable automating updating:
- Go to Automatic Updates.
- Set the following options
to On:
- Download iOS Updates
- Install iOS Updates
Here’s Another Tip – Use Antivirus Software Too!
Like VPNs, antivirus programs can’t exactly fix or prevent iOS vulnerabilities. However, they can stop hackers from exploiting them to expose you to malware infections. The moment an antivirus tool detects any traces of malware, it automatically quarantines it.
There are many decent solutions, but we normally stick to Malwarebytes. It’s easy-to-use, very secure, and can even blacklist shady domains (which could host malware).
The Bottom Line
No, VPNs won’t protect you from the recent iOS security flaws. But updating to version 14.4 will! Just be sure to keep using a VPN (and an antivirus program) after updating. It’s still an essential security tool.
If you have any questions about this topic, please leave them in the comments. We’ll do our best to answer as fast as we can.
