Apple tackles iPhone one-tap spyware flaws

Flaws in Apple's iOS operating system have been discovered that made it possible to install spyware on a target's device merely by getting them to click on a link

An Israeli 'cyber-war' company is believed to be involved in creating the spyware
An Israeli 'cyber-war' company is believed to be involved in creating the spyware

The discovery a flaw in Apple’s iOS operating system was made after human rights lawyer Ahmed Mansoor alerted security researchers to unsolicited text messages he had received.

The flaw allowed spyware to be installed in a target's device simply by clicking a link.

This led the researchers to discover three previously unknown flaws within Apple's code. Apple has since released a software update that addresses the problem.

The two security firms involved, Citizen Lab and Lookout, said they had held back details of the discovery until the fix had been issued.

The researchers say they believe the spyware involved was created by NSO Group, an Israeli "cyber-war" company.