Massive iOS Ransomware Scam Hits the U.S. - Time to Back Up Your iPhone & iPad

[dgstorm]

Here's a quick warning for iOS users. It's probably a good idea to immediately take the time to backup your iPhone or iPad data. Apparently, there has been a major security breach on iOS in the United States. A massive malware scam attempts to extort money from iPhone owners by exploiting the Find My iPhone feature in iOS. Hackers are able to to lock users’ iPhones and iPads remotely. They will then demand a ransom to allow users to access their device.

Here's a quote with a few more details,

An Apple store employee tells CBS Los Angeles that anyone who’s affected by this malicious attack ought to bring their iPhone into an Apple store so that it can be unlocked. The problem, though, is that doing this will wipe out all of the data that you have on your iPhone, which is why it’s important to make sure everything you have is backed up on iCloud.

Sound off in the forums if you (or someone you know) has been affected by this insidious malware attack.

Source: BGR

 

[AQ_OC]

You'd think this would be all over the news!

 

[Elux72]

So, what can one do to prevent this? A strong, unique Apple ID password and device password?

Sent from my iPhone using iPF

 

[col.bris]

Apple has confirmed a breach of iCloud security was not the reason iPhone and iPad users had devices locked and held to ransom.

Following multiple reports earlier this week from iPhone, iPad and Mac users in Australia, New Zealand and even the UK that devices connected to their iCloud account were being locked, Apple has finally acknowledged the issue but denied it was the result of a breach of iCloud security.

However the company has urged users who have been affected to change their Apple ID password whenever they can.

Personally if you want my opinion this is related to ebay and pay pal breach that occurred last week. Unfortunately many users have same user names and passwords on multiple sites. I could be wrong but it makes sense when one thinks about it. This was an isolated attack in Australia nothing huge as stated in the media. If you are concerned then change your user names and password as well as your 4 digit code if using iOS 7.

 

[Ser Aphim]

iOS is getting more problems with scams and ransomeware and other kinds of "ware" than me having any problems with android. Maybe this is what one of those android company that meant by "iOS is more unstable than android".

 

[col.bris]

I disagree. This is a password issue and nothing to do with icloud or the iOS being compromised at all. I suggest you read the information above which is an explanation. eBay and PayPal were attacked and if a user had used the same password and user name then one is wide open for ransom ware. The same applies to android or any windows base systems. The word "massive" is so far off it is not funny.
The system is in place to protect users by having double protection if a user of iOS does not use the 4 digit code and use a generic common user name and password across all personal sites like ebay then they are wide open for scams. It is a known fact that Apple iOS is far more stable than Android operating systems.

 

[Pinkpoison]

It just seems too much of a coincidence that eBay and PayPal were attacked and then this happens, There has to be a connection.

 

[Ser Aphim]

I disagree. This is a password issue and nothing to do with icloud or the iOS being compromised at all. I suggest you read the information above which is an explanation. eBay and PayPal were attacked and if a user had used the same password and user name then one is wide open for ransom ware. The same applies to android or any windows base systems. The word "massive" is so far off it is not funny.
The system is in place to protect users by having double protection if a user of iOS does not use the 4 digit code and use a generic common user name and password across all personal sites like ebay then they are wide open for scams. It is a known fact that Apple iOS is far more stable than Android operating systems.

The problem isn't which OS is more stable, the problem is the high amount of attention hackers give to an OS, and obviously they give more attention for iOS. iOS is stable? That wouldn't matter if the hackers only pay attention to iOS.

 

[col.bris]

Just restating this is not a hack of the iOS it is in fact stolen passwords and user names when bpay which is owned by eBay was hacked

. This means regardless what platform ie apple android or windows you can be compromised. Think about someone stealing your wallet and they have your id for your bank account and or online details. All one has to do is log in and then put YOU to ransom. So if some one accesses ebay then finds user names and passwords all they have to do is do a test log on to iTunes

And bingo everything you have can be ransomed......

 

[iJamesH]

They're telling people to use different usernames and passwords for each site that requires one whether it be hotmail,ebay,etc.

 

[col.bris]

I could not Agee more. Exactly the solution

 

[twerppoet]

The problem isn't which OS is more stable, the problem is the high amount of attention hackers give to an OS, and obviously they give more attention for iOS. iOS is stable? That wouldn't matter if the hackers only pay attention to iOS.

More like the high amount of attention the media gives any and all things Apple. Android has had more than it's share of security problems over the last year. They generally get one or two articles for every 10 articles a similar incident will generate for Apple.

Apple in the headline = clicks, and clicks = money for most online media sites. Which explains why the most exotic and unlikely Apple rumors keep making mainstream headlines, while most other tech news has to be found on specialty sites. Of course the Apple vs Android vs Microsoft thing is also big. It's like the sports page for tech.

We have to keep in mind that media is not about serving you. It's about making money. It only serves the public when that's the best way to make money.

 

[twerppoet]

I could not Agee more. Exactly the solution

Setting up 2-step verification on your Apple ID helps too. Then, even if someone gets a hold of your password, at least they can't change it. Not unless they also have your phone and/or iPad.