Computer viruses can impact both Windows and Apple devices, reminding users that no platform is entirely immune. Apple's latest iOS 16.6.1 addresses a critical security flaw that, if exploited, enables hackers to control iPhones and iPads without user interaction. The "zero-click, zero-day" bug could deploy NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, granting attackers access to texts, calls, photos, and location data.

The vulnerability, dubbed "Blastpass", was uncovered by Citizen Lab, who alerted Apple after observing its use in targeting a Washington DC organization member. Apple suggests users activate Lockdown Mode, an iOS feature that limits device functions to combat severe threats. This issue resurrects concerns about Pegasus, an NSO Group tool previously used to target journalists and activists, leading to its ban by the Biden administration. As a general precaution, it's almost always a good idea to keep your software updated to the latest version in order to keep our computers and hardware free from online predators.