When an unplanned iPhone and iPad software update gets pushed without warning, it usually means it is related to a serious security issue. Today is no exception. Apple has just pushed an alert to download the latest iOS 17.6.1 update without much detail except for these important words:

“This update includes important bug fixes and addresses an issue that prevents enabling or disabling Advanced Data Protection.”

While it offers you the choice to update now or update tonight, I recommend you do it now without waiting. Updates like these are becoming increasingly frequent as bad actors find ways to compromise your safety, security and privacy on Apple products.

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What’s in the iOS 17.6.1 software update?

iOS 17.6.1, released on Aug. 7, 2024, primarily addresses a critical issue affecting Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature. The update fixes a bug that prevented some users from enabling or disabling ADP, an optional iCloud security feature that expands end-to-end encryption to additional services such as device backups, Messages backups and Photos.

The issue manifested in two ways. Users attempting to enable ADP encountered an error in the user interface, accurately reflecting the problem. Users trying to disable ADP saw it deactivated in the interface while it remained active for their iCloud data. Despite the issue, Apple assures us that the few users affected by this problem still experienced the same level of security, if not more, than they initially believed.

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After installing iOS 17.6.1, affected users who previously attempted to disable ADP will receive a notification directing them to Settings, where they can confirm their choice to turn off the feature.

The update includes the ADP fix, as well as other important bug fixes and security improvements. This release is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to maintain the stability and security of iOS 17 as the company prepares for the upcoming launch of iOS 18 later this year.

How to make sure your iPhone and iPad are up to date

• Tap on Settings
• Tap on General
• Tap on Software Update
• If an update is available, it will give you the option to download and install.

Steps to make sure your iPhone and iPad are up to date (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

To keep your phone always up to date, you can turn on automatic updates by:

• On the Software Update screen mentioned above, click the Automatic Updates row
• Switching on all relevant services you wish to keep updated, as seen below

Steps to set up Automatic Updates (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A word of caution: Always back up your phone just in case. More about backing up and restoring your phone here.

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Stay ahead of cyberthreats with strong antivirus software

Security glitches can have a greater impact on your life as more of our important details are easily accessible to skilled criminal hackers on devices without protection. That’s why I urge everyone to use strong antivirus protection on all devices, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Make sure you find the one that’s right for you and your family. The teams at Apple and others like Microsoft are fighting a battle of bad actors that is like trying to stop a fire hose of water using a plastic solo cup. It takes time to respond to and build a patch designed to stop the bad guys. Using strong antivirus protection can offer another level of security that you are in control of, rather than waiting for the rest of the world to catch up with trouble.

We’ll continue to monitor this bug fix and any related issues.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Staying on top of software updates like iOS 17.6.1 is essential for keeping your devices secure. By updating now, you protect your personal data from potential threats. Don’t forget that using strong antivirus software adds another layer of defense against cyber risks. As technology evolves, so do cybercriminals’ tactics, so let’s stay proactive in safeguarding our digital lives.

How do you feel about the constant software updates to your iPhone or iPad? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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You can say goodbye to your library tab in Google Photos, because Google is introducing a new destination called Collections that’s supposed to make “finding content easier than ever.” Collections house all of your albums in one place, such as your private albums and those that have been shared with you by other users, as well as new folders for people and pets, documents, and places.

The Collections view — which replaces the existing library tab but retains the same bookshelf-style icon — is currently rolling out to all Android and iOS Google Photos users, but may take a few weeks to arrive on all devices.

Users can head into the Collections tab and tap on Albums to switch between different views like “All,” “Shared with me,” and “My albums.” Folders for “Favorites” and “Trash” will be displayed up top, while Google says the remaining two tiles “may rotate based on the items you navigate to the most.” Users’ Locked Folders will no longer be suggested at the top of the Collections view following complaints about the placement.

The Utilities folder is being removed entirely, but the tools under it are simply being relocated. For example, the option to create a Locked Folder can now be found by scrolling to the bottom of Collections. Options for importing images and making creations like albums, collages, and highlight videos can be found by tapping the “+” symbol, while things like freeing up space on the device and managing photo frames now require you to tap your Google Photos account profile.

If you haven’t played Doom or Doom II for a while — or ever — a new re-release that Bethesda surprise-dropped (sorta) on Thursday might be the perfect excuse to jump in to the classic games. The re-release, which combines both games into one package called Doom + Doom II and is a free update for anyone who already owns Doom (1993) or Doom II, offers a long list of great new features — including a brand new single-player episode and online, cross-platform deathmatch multiplayer.

With Doom + Doom II, you’ll have access to both of those two games as well as extra single-player content like John Romero’s Sigil episode released in 2019 and Legacy of Rust, which is a new Doom episode created by “individuals from id Software, Nightdive Studios and MachineGames,” according to Bethesda. You’ll also be able to download single-player mods through a new in-game mod browser.

On the multiplayer front, Bethesda has added 25 new maps for deathmatch, meaning you’ll have up to 43 to pick from. The cross-platform deathmatch and co-op also support up to 16 players.

The combined package will support up to 4K resolution and 120fps if you’re playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox Series X / S. There’s also updated music for the games by Andrew Hulshult (who worked on the music for Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods DLC), and you can switch back and forth between the newer tracks and older tracks whenever you like.

There’s a lot more I didn’t touch on, and if you’re at all interested in this package, I recommend scrolling through the extensive patch notes. The game is available on PC (via Steam, the Windows Store, the Epic Games Store, and GOG), Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.

There was one other cool piece of retro Doom news announced today, too: Limited Run Games is working on a re-release of Doom on the SNES. The game is set to release in 2025 — and, naturally, there will only be 666 copies made.