Mumbai: Indian phone and tablet users have been put on alert, as the Indian government has issued a major warning about dangerous flaws in Apple iPhone and iPad operating systems. Several flaws in the Qiwi App were pointed out by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology that could enable hackers to steal sensitive data, run malicious code or make devices unusable. The advisory said that with millions of Apple users in India, there is an immediate need to mitigate personal and financial data theft.
These vulnerabilities impact a wide array of devices, such as iPhones with iOS versions older than 18.3 and iPads with iPadOS versions older than 17.7.3 or 18.3, when they differ by model. The serious warning from CERT-INS, detailed in vulnerability note CIVN-2025-0071, says that these weaknesses can let attackers get around security measures, access private information, change data, or disrupt services if they are used. Once again, older devices—such as the iPhone 8, iPhone X, and numerous iPad models—are especially at risk, but newer models with outdated software are also susceptible.
Hackers can take advantage of these vulnerabilities by directing users to malicious websites or specially crafted web content. This can allow hackers to take over the device without the user knowing. Cybersecurity experts spoke about the advisory. Touching on a bad link is just a click away from an attacker grabbing control of your phone! It’s not just iPhones and iPads at risk — the warning is more widespread across the Apple ecosystem, with vulnerabilities discovered in macOS, tvOS, watchOS, Safari, and more, prompting users to act now.
CERT-IN has urged all its users to update to the latest software versions to counter these threats. Apple has previously released patches for vulnerable flaws in iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, as well as other platforms updates. Older devices do not support iOS 15.8.4 or iPadOS 16.7.11. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to update your device.
Young India is APPLE in their Cyber Security Armour. The advisory follows the spurt in Cyber Threats in India, with the rise in traffic of Apple users’ X posts revealing public discomfort. Users tell others to turn on notifications from the government for an immediate alert. In addition to updates, experts said limiting suspicious links, opting for secure Wi-Fi networks, using two-factor authentication and regularly backing up data are among the steps people should take to reduce risks.
With India surging into the digital era, the stakes are high for cyber security. This updated warning underscores the importance of Apple users being vigilant and proactive. In an ever-more connected world, millions can safeguard their privacy and keep hackers at bay by updating their devices timely.