Apple has put out information, urging iPhone and iPad users to update their device software ASAP.

University of Toronto researchers notified Apple on Thursday of a major security flaw affecting iPhones and iPads.

At this time, Apple is urging users to initiate a system update immediately. University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab researchers revealed a flaw caused by “highly sophisticated exploits and mercenary spyware.”

The update is recommended for the following devices: iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro (all models), iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 5th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.

“Last week, while checking the device of an individual employed by a Washington DC-based civil society organization, Citizen Lab found an actively exploited zero-click vulnerability being used to deliver NSO Group’s Pegasus mercenary spyware,” Citizen Lab said on Thursday.

“Processing a maliciously crafted image may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited,” Apple said.

The vulnerabilities arose in devices’ Image I/O framework and Apple’s Wallet function.

To initiate an Apple update, take the following steps:
Go to Settings
> General
> Software Update

Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in during the update process, so it does not shut down mid-update.