Spectre and Meltdown are threatening devices across the globe, and iPhone users are also bearing the heat. Apple has rolled out an update to its operating system on iPhone with iOS 11.2.2 for iPhone and iPads.

iOS 11.2.2 carries security update that’ll help users stay protected against the malicious Spectre and Meltdown bugs, which exploit critical vulnerabilities in modern processors.

These hardware bugs allow programs to steal data which is currently being processed on the computer.

While programs are typically not permitted to read data from other programs, a malicious program can exploit Meltdown and Spectre to get hold of data stored in the memory of other running programs, according to folks at the Graz University of Technology and Zimperium Security.

The data can include passwords stored in a password manager or browser, personal photos, emails, instant messages and even business-critical documents.

All Intel processors since 1995 with a few exceptions are affected by these bugs. Zero AMD vulnerability protects devices running on ARM processors.

Apple and Google have both released software updates for their respective mobile operating systems — iOS and Android — in the form of iOS 11.2.2 and Android security patch dated January 5, 2018.

iOS 11.2.2 Update for iPhone and iPads

It is recommended for all iPhone and iPad users to update their devices to the latest iOS 11.2.2 update to safeguard against the threat posed by Spectre and Meltdown bugs.

According to Apple, the bug is tough to exploit, even with an app running locally on a Mac or iOS device, but it can be potentially exploited in JavaScript running in a web browser.

That’s why Apple has released mitigations in Safari to help defend against Spectre with the iOS 11.2.2 update.

How to update iPhone to iOS 11.2.2

To update your devices go to Settings –> Find General and tap on it –> Tap on Software Update. Once the device finds the update, tap on Download and Install.

Your iPhone/iPad will then start downloading the update. Once completed, the device will reboot and the update will be completed.