An Apple security flaw has been discovered and it could be allowing hackers to beat encryption and intercept email and other communications. Last week, Apple released an update that would fix the flaw on mobile devices running iOS, such as iPhones, iPads and iPods, and they are encouraging all Apple device users to download it. Even if you have your device set to automatically download updates, it may be a good idea to double check to ensure that the flaw is repaired.

The company released a statement soon after finding out about the flaw and alerted Apple device owners of the possible dangers. The company also soon determined that the flaw was not only found on Apple mobile devices, but desktop and laptop computers as well.

Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller said, “We are aware of this issue and already have a software fix that will be released very soon.”

Apple is still working on a fix for Mac users but promises that it is coming very soon. The company is working to get repair the flaw and strengthen security before the hackers are able to make programs that take advantage of the flaw.

When hackers learn that a system is weak, they will quickly work, sometimes together, to create bots and programs that exploit the weakness and allow them to access various files and information about users. This can allow them to send viruses to computers and devices which could access credit card numbers and other information.

So how did this flaw happen in the first place? According to researchers, Apple did not perform adequate testing on their security. It has also been described as a “fundamental bug in Apple’s SSL implementation,” by Dmitri Alperovich, chief technology officer at security firm CrowdStrike Inc.

Are you worried about the flaw?

Image a Wikimedia Commons