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Apple iOS 10.2.1 update features, news: New iOS update addresses more than just bugs

Clarissa Partosa January 26, 2017 07:32 AM EST

Apple launched its new iOS 10.2.1 update that fixes more than just bugs on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. The new iOS fixes security vulnerabilities from the Apple device, which were mostly discovered with the help of Google's team of highly skilled hackers called Project Zero.

A photo of customers standing beneath an Apple logo at the Apple store in Grand Central station in New York City in July 2015. | Reuters/Mike Segar

The new iOS 10.2.1 update was launched by Apple last Monday, alongside other new iOS updates that fit its other devices, such as the Apple Watch and MacBook Pro.

Apple's iOS 10.2.1 update for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices was only expected to fix bugs in the current software, but Wired reports that it addresses a lot of security issues that could enable someone else to breach and completely take over the user's device. The media outlet also suggested that it should be downloaded immediately.

Listed on the Apple iOS 10.2.1 security content page are 13 security cracks that have been fixed by the software update across multiple apps. Eleven of those security risks are rooted from WebKit, which serves as the browser engine of Safari, App Store, and several iOS apps.

The other two addresses the access of a malicious application that can take over the Apple device.

Senior security researcher at Malwarebytes explained: "It can add files, delete files, or execute any actions. Want to record conversations and forward them to someone else? It can do that. Want to install additional malicious software? It can do that. Want to uninstall programs on the affected phone? It can do that. Want to hide these actions, programs and files from the user? It can do that too."

Apple has Google's Project Zero to thank in finding these security vulnerabilities. The team of Google's top security researchers â€” whose job is to track down secret security loopholes in software that can be taken advantage of criminals and hackers â€” were able to find nine out of the 13 that Apple's iOS 10.2.1 update fixed.

To get the Apple iOS 10.2.1 update, users can just go to the device Settings, and Software Update will be found in the General section.

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