The Federal Government has warned Nigerian users about a significant security vulnerability affecting Apple’s popular wireless bluetooth earbuds, the AirPods, and Beats devices.
Users of the affected devices can become subjects of illegal eavesdropping of their private conversation, and they need to take urgent measures to fix the issues, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria’s IT agency.
The vulnerability allows a nearby adversary to spoof the intended source device, potentially enabling unauthorised eavesdropping on private conversations or gaining control of the headphones, according to the technology company.
Apple.
NITDA advises that users of the affected devices should immediately update their firmwares, and also check for regular updates to beef up their cybersecurity
According to NITDA, “users should immediately update their AirPods to firmware version 6A326 and their AirPods and Beats devices to firmware version 6F8 to secure their devices against this vulnerability.”
They should also perform regular updates of the affected devices. “Consistently check for and install firmware updates to ensure ongoing protection against potential security threats.”
Apple recently released essential firmware updates for these devices after a serious flaw, identified as CVE-2024-27867, was discovered.
This authentication issue impacts second-generation AirPods and later, all models of AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Fit Pro.
The vulnerability allows a nearby adversary to spoof the intended source device, potentially enabling unauthorised eavesdropping on private conversations or gaining control of the headphones, according to the technology company.
Nigeria’s NITDA underscores the importance of keeping all software and firmware up-to-date to defend against emerging cybersecurity risks.
The IT agency advises users to follow these preventive measures promptly to protect their privacy and security.
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