On Tuesday, Apple released the iOS 6.1.3 update which fixes a lockscreen security loophole that chiefly enabled the scammers to get around the lock screen on the iOS devices.

Before the lockscreen glitch was fixed in the latest update rolled out by Apple, it was possible for the scammers to follow a certain series of steps – making use of the power and home button, and the emergency call feature of a handset - for gaining access to a locked iPhone without entering the passcode. The access then gave the scammers the ability to make phone calls, listen to voice mail, and even look at contact photos.

The iOS lockscreen glitch first surfaced in January when in video posted by a YouTube user showed how anybody with iOS 6.1 could circumvent the password lock to not only access the Phone app, but also view or alter contacts, as well as check voicemail and browse pictures.

According to the general notes on the newly-released iOS 6.1.3, the 18.2MB update "contains improvements and bug fixes" but drill down; with Apple also admitting that the update "fixes a bug that could allow someone to bypass the passcode and access the iPhone app."

The iOS 6.1.3 update is now available for the following iOS devices: the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5; all iPads following iPad 2; and all 4th-generation and higher iPod touch devices.