Apple has quietly released an update to protect Macs from the same security flaw which enabled powerful spyware to assume control of iPhones.
The three vulnerabilities in iOS code made it possible for malicious software known as Pegasus to infiltrate a device’s operating system.
One security firm said the spyware was capable of “the most sophisticated attack we’ve seen on any endpoint”.
It offered attackers’ a staggering level of access to apps and sensitive personal data without the victims’ knowledge.
And now it appears that if you’re operating El Capitan or Yosemite, your Mac is vulnerable too – at least until you update its software.
The Mac fix comes a week after Apple shipped a patch to resolve the flaws in iOS.
Apple uses the same code across several operating systems, meaning vulnerabilities are sometimes replicated.
The tech giant was oblivious to the flaws until researchers at Lookout and Citizen Lab investigated a suspicious looking text sent to Ahmed Mansoor, a prominent human rights defender.
If you own a Mac, you can download the fix by opening the App Store, going to updates, and clicking install Security Update 2016-001 10.11.16.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, open settings, go to general, then software update and select upgrade to iOS 9.3.5.