Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Digital Authority has tweeted an advisory warning iPhone and iPad users in the UAE to delete the pre-installed Mail App from their devices.
The tweet read, “Warning. Be careful of the new announced high risk vulnerabilities in Mail application used in iPhone and iPad which poses a risk on information’s sensitivity. #StaySafe.
“Delete your email from the application. Use alternative mail applications until the security vulnerabilities are closed,” the notice advised.
A bug apparently allows hackers to access your mail, send malicious emails and control the devices of those who click on these emails, although Apple have said they don’t believe users are at immediate risk and were working to fix the issue.
Nevertheless, the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has also posted a video on how to disable the app and install other mail app options.
In a statement to Gulf News, an Apple spokesperson said: "Apple takes all reports of security threats seriously. We have thoroughly investigated the researcher’s report and, based on the information provided, have concluded these issues do not pose an immediate risk to our users."
The spokesperson further added that these issues will be addressed in a software update soon.
"The researcher identified three issues in Mail, but alone they are insufficient to bypass iPhone and iPad security protections, and we have found no evidence they were used against customers. These potential issues will be addressed in a software update soon. We value our collaboration with security researchers to help keep our users safe and will be crediting the researcher for their assistance.”
