AN OFFICIAL Apple warning reveals how your data could be stolen or your devices ruined.
Anyone with an iPhone, iPad or Mac needs to use “extreme caution” to avoid it.
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An Apple memo warns users over internets prompts for you to download software.
That’s when you’re downloading content that isn’t from the official Apple App Store.
It’s very difficult to do on an iPhone or iPad, unless you’ve jailbroken it, you’re using a “work configuration”, or you’re downloading a malicious file that claims to be an app but isn’t.
But when you download anything from the World Wide Web on an Apple device, you must be careful.
“Use extreme caution if you download content from the internet,” Apple warned.
That’s because while the Apple App Store apps are curated, files you download from the internet aren’t checked in the same way.
So you might think you’re downloading something safe, when in reality you’re not at all.
“Some downloads found on the internet may not contain the software they claim to, or may contain software that you didn’t expect or want,” Apple explained.
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“This includes apps that ask to install configuration profiles that can then control your device.
“If installed, unknown or unwanted software may become intrusive and annoying and could even damage your Mac and steal your data.”
There are two ways to avoid this.
The first is to simply download files only from the Apple App Store.
It’s not a 100% guarantee that the app is completely safe and legitimate, but you’re far less likely to get caught out by rogue software.
And if you’re using a Mac and you’re trying to download software, you can also get it directly from the developer’s website.
Using third-party sites to find software downloads can be extremely dangerous.
