In the world of technology, a persistent myth suggests that Apple devices are somehow “immune” to the cyber threats that plague other platforms. For years, many users have operated under the belief that owning a Mac or an iPhone is a complete security strategy in itself. However, recent developments have proven that this sense of security is misplaced.
While Apple designs its operating systems with robust native protections, the reality of 2026 is that no device is untouchable. Attackers are increasingly shifting their focus toward macOS and iOS as these platforms grow in popularity within the enterprise and among high-value individuals.
The Decadelong Door Now Closed
This week, the cybersecurity community was alerted to a significant set of vulnerabilities that Apple had to patch urgently. One of these flaws, tracked as CVE-2026-20700, was described by security experts as a “door that has been unlocked for over a decade.”
This zero-day vulnerability involved a memory corruption issue in the Dynamic Link Editor (dyld), a core system component. If exploited, it could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to information exposure, network traffic interception, or a complete sandbox escape. What makes this even more concerning is that Apple admitted the flaw may have been exploited in “extremely sophisticated attacks” against specific individuals.
Sophisticated Attacks are the New Normal
The recent patches didn’t just fix one isolated issue. They addressed a chain of vulnerabilities, including two others discovered in late 2025 (CVE-2025-14174 and CVE-2025-43529). These bugs were linked to commercial spyware vendors, the type of high-end surveillance tools often used by nation-states to target specific people.
When we see vulnerabilities that have existed for ten years finally being patched because they are being actively used by hackers, it highlights a critical point: just because a system is built on a strong foundation like Unix doesn’t mean it is free of cracks.
Apple’s Constant Race Against Hackers
If you look at Apple’s own security documentation, you will see a relentless stream of updates. Every year, Apple performs hundreds of security patches across its entire ecosystem. These aren’t just minor bug fixes; they often address critical risks such as:
- Kernel-level flaws that could grant deep system access.
- WebKit vulnerabilities that allow malicious websites to take over a browser.
- Privacy issues where apps could bypass user preferences or access sensitive data.
The sheer volume of these updates is a clear indicator that the threat landscape for Apple users is active and evolving. Relying solely on the brand name for protection is no longer a viable strategy for businesses or individuals who value their data.
Strengthening Your Apple Security Posture
To move beyond the myth of immunity, consider these steps to enhance the security of your Apple environment:
- Enforce Timely Updates: Security patches are only effective if they are installed. Ensure your fleet of devices is running the latest versions of macOS and iOS.
- Layered Defences: Native security is a great start, but supplemental tools like advanced endpoint protection and mobile device management (MDM) can provide the centralized visibility and threat detection that built-in tools might lack.
- Employee Awareness: Many attacks on Apple devices begin with social engineering or phishing. Training your team to recognise these threats is a vital layer of protection.
- Identity Management: Use Managed Apple IDs and two-factor authentication (2FA) as a baseline for all business-critical access.
The digital world of 2026 demands a proactive approach. While Apple continues to innovate its security features, attackers continue to innovate their methods.
Navigating the complexities of securing a modern, Mac-first or hybrid environment can be a challenge. If you have concerns about the security of your devices or want to ensure your organisation is truly protected against the latest threats, contact the expert team at Vertex. We can provide tailored solutions that prioritise genuine, high-quality protection for all your platforms.