Millions of older iPhones and iPads are at risk from ping of death

Millions of older iPhones and iPads are at risk from a serious flaw which allows Wi-Fi attackers to send a “ping of death” to remotely paralyse machines, according to a security researcher.

The attack only works when the hacker is on the same Wi-Fi network as a victim – so users are warned to avoid public Wi-Fi networks such as those in cafes and airports.

Dr Lukasz Olejnik said that a recent software update has protected newer iPhones against the attack, but that older phones are still vulnerable.