Outdated software on Macs and mobile devices poses significant security risk

Tech Radar reports that a significant security concern for Mac and mobile environments stems from critically out-of-date software. New research from Jamf indicates that over half of organizations have mobile devices with outdated operating systems, and a similar percentage, 58%, are running outdated macOS devices.

The research highlights that nearly all assessed mobile apps (95%) contain at least one medium-severity vulnerability. This, combined with insecure operating systems, puts sensitive company data at risk. Furthermore, 62% of mobile apps request risky permissions, and 21% exhibit privacy-impacting behaviors. The rise in Mac shipments, up 16.4% between 2024 and 2025, coincides with an increase in macOS malware samples, with 73% of Macs now having at least one vulnerable app. Attack methods are evolving, with zero-click and browser-based exploits becoming more common.

The widespread use of outdated software on Macs and mobile devices creates a fertile ground for cyberattacks, amplifying the impact of vulnerabilities. While Jamf's research focuses on these platforms, similar risks exist across other operating systems. The simple act of keeping software and operating systems updated is crucial for patching vulnerabilities and enhancing security, underscoring the need for organizations to align their threat detection and response capabilities with their device management strategies.

Source: Tech Radar