iOS 7.1.2 Improves Mail Encryption And iBeacon Support

Apple has rolled out another minor update to iOS 7.1 that fixes a number of security bugs, improves iBeacon support and improves encryption for attachments in the platform’s native mail application.

This remedies a problem that could result in mail attachments being extracted from an iPhone 4 by an attacker with physical access to the devices. Apparently data protection was not enabled for attachments, something which has been solved by changing the encryption class.

The new version is available now either through iTunes or as an over-the-air update

iOS 7.1.2

iOS 7.1.2 fixes a number of other security flaws that could result in malicious code terminating applications or running unauthorised processes, while the update also fixes a bug with data transfer for some third party accessories, including bar code scanners.

The last update for iOS was released in April, bringing improvements to the Touch ID fingerprint scanner in the iPhone 5S, amid claims the sensor was becoming less responsive over time, and fixing an OpenSSL vulnerability not connected to the Heartbleed bug.

iOS 7.1 itself debuted in March, bringing a number cosmetic updates and support for Apple’s in-car system CarPlay.

The new version is available now either through iTunes or as an over-the-air update for the iPhone 4 or later, the iPad 2 or later, the iPad Mini or later and the iPod Touch fifth generation or later.

How much do you know about the iPhone? Take our quiz!