WikiLeaks recently shook the tech scene with a CIA document dump pointing to alarming threats, but Apple says it already patched many of the listed vulnerabilities.
For those unfamiliar with the matter, WikiLeaks dropped what it claimed to be a vast trove of thousands of files and documents exposing the tools used by the CIA to hack smartphones, computers, and even TVs. Basically the WikiLeaks dump revealed that the CIA can hack into virtually any Android, iOS, and other internet-connected devices, raising grave concerns about privacy and security.
The WikiLeaks CIA leak had a loud echo all throughout the tech industry and major companies are now striving to counter the effects, ensuring customers that their security is not compromised.
Apple Statement On WikiLeaks CIA Dump
In the aftermath of the WikiLeaks reveal, Apple has issued a statement to highlight that it has already patched many of the major iOS security vulnerabilities mentioned in WikiLeaks' document trove.
According to the company, the latest public iOS version launched back in January this year addressed many of those critical vulnerabilities, and Apple engineers are also working to fix other flaws that the CIA might exploit.
Among the 8,761 files and documents that WikiLeaks published, claiming to have obtained them from the CIA's Center for Cyber Intelligence, there were 14 iOS exploits listed. The document dump detailed how those security flaws could be exploited to track users, keep tabs on their communications, or even hijack their smartphones.
BuzzFeed's John Paczkowski posted Apple's statement on Twitter:
"Apple is deeply committed to safeguarding our customers' privacy and security. The technology built into today's iPhone represents the best data security available to consumers, and we're constantly working to keep it that way," says Apple.
Get The Latest iOS Version
The company further points out that its software and products are designed to deliver security updates to customers as soon as possible and nearly 80 percent of its users have the latest iOS version installed.
"While our initial analysis indicates that many of the issues leaked today were already patched in the latest iOS, we will continue work to rapidly address any identified vulnerabilities," Apple adds. "We always urge customers to download the latest iOS to make sure they have the most recent security updates."
In other words, Apple seems confident that if users have the latest version of the operating systems, many of those vulnerabilities hoarded by the CIA should no longer be effective.
The leaked files and documents, if accurate, revealed charts detailing various iOS exploits that allowed the CIA to surveil iPhone users and even control their devices in some cases. Some exploits may have been purchased, downloaded, or copied from sources outside the government, while others may have been developed internally. Nevertheless, if Apple's statement is truthful, the CIA should not be able to spy on devices running the latest version of iOS. Apple has yet to detail when the rest of the vulnerabilities will get a patch, but it shouldn't take too long now.
The WikiLeaks CIA dump also detailed various exploits for Android, but Google has yet to issue a statement in this regard.
