Last week, leading security researchers Charlie Miller and Collin Mulliner demonstrated an iPhone vulnerability that could allow an attacker to take complete control over all functions of the iPhone, including making calls, visit websites, access to personal information on the devices, and turning on the camera and the microphone. The hack can be run through a series of hundreds of invisible text messages, which would embed the code in the system memory and run a malicious executable file. The user sees only one message containing a small place. Once a phone has been compromised, it could be used to send the same invisible text messages to other iPhones.
In response, Apple has released a free patch that fixes the vulnerability. To download the updated software, go to iTunes, select your device and click "Check for updates." A dialog box will tell you that version 3.0.1 is available for your iPhone. Go ahead and click on "Download and Install" and follow the commands from there.
The researchers also said they found a similar vulnerability impacts Windows Mobile devices. Microsoft is studying the request.
As smartphones evolve to become more like personal computers, they also become more vulnerable to these types of threats. It is important to be aware of this danger. Soon, an Internet security software for phones will be available and necessary. For now, the best way to protect your phone is to be aware of the latest threats and software updates and do not click on unknown links or downloads using your smartphone.