Thieves have now figured out a way to freeze your smartphone, demanding that you pay up to get back your access. And, the scam has gone global. But experts have some advice on what you can do to avoid getting hacked for ransom.
Many iPhone users have discovered a cryptic random text message when opening their phone, which will bring up the password screen, even if you never set a password on your phone.
The hackers found a way to use the “Find my iPhone” feature through iCloud to disable iPhones, iPads and iMacs until they get their money. iPhone security experts warn the scam can happen anywhere, no one is really immune.
It is unclear how the hackers gained access to the Apple accounts, but there are ways to protect yourself. First, make sure your iPhone has a passcode. Second, activate the two-step verification for Apple ID, which means in addition to your password, you will receive a new code to enter every time you sign in.
When you log in, you receive a special number on your phone and then you type that in as well. That makes it almost impossible for somebody else on the Internet to log in because they don’t have your phone.
An Apple representative said, “Apple takes security very seriously, and iCloud was not compromised during this incident. Impacted users should change their Apple ID password as soon as possible and avoid using the same username and password for multiple services.”
The cyber attack was first spotted in Australia, and was reported in the U.S. just this week. It happened just as Apple is preparing for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference next week.
Credit:
adapted from newyork.cbslocal.com
Credit:
adapted from newyork.cbslocal.com
