Apple releases security fix for older iPhones and iPads to protect against DarkSword attacks

Apple has rolled out a critical security update for older iPhones and iPads, addressing vulnerabilities linked to a newly surfaced hacking toolkit known as DarkSword. On Wednesday, the company announced the availability of iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7, designed to enhance security measures against web-based attacks targeting a range of devices. The DarkSword toolkit enables hackers to infiltrate Apple devices running iOS versions from 18.4 to 18.7 merely by having users visit compromised websites. These attacks can extract sensitive information from devices, including messages, browsing histories, location data, and even cryptocurrency, subsequently uploading this data to servers controlled by cybercriminals. Reports indicate that the toolkit has already been implicated in attacks against users in various countries, including China, Malaysia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine. With the recent disclosure of these hacking tools, security experts caution that they are now accessible to anyone looking to exploit vulnerabilities in older Apple mobile software. Apple assures that users utilizing the latest iOS version, iOS 26, were already shielded from these threats weeks ago. The new update extends protective measures to users of iOS 18, specifically those with devices that cannot support the newer iOS 26. Additionally, the update addresses concerns from users who have hesitated to upgrade due to the new “liquid glass” interface, which has faced some criticism. For those with automatic software updates enabled, the new security patch should be applied seamlessly. Furthermore, Apple’s Lockdown Mode, an optional security feature, is also effective against DarkSword attacks. The company recently stated that it has not been aware of any successful government spyware attacks on devices running this protective mode.