A growing number of Australian iOS and Mac users have found their devices have been remotely locked and are being held for ransom. Hackers have locked the devices remotely via iCloud, and the compromised devices are displaying a warning message offering to unlock the device if a ransom is paid.
Member veritylikestea on Apple Support Communities:
i was using my ipad a short while ago when suddenly it locked itself, and was askiwhich I’d never previously set up. I went to check my phone and there was a message on the screen (it’s still there) saying that my device(s) had been hacked by ‘Oleg Pliss’ and he/she/they demanded $100 USD/EUR to return them to me.
IT security expert Troy Hunt told The Age that hackers are likely using compromised data exposed by recent security breaches to login to iCloud accounts. Hunt also notes that it is likely that the accounts that were hacked were not protected via two-step verification.
Owners who had a passcode set for their computer or iOS device were able to regain control of their devices following receipt of the message.
Apple hasn’t officially commented on the situation. Users are encouraged to turn on two-step verification verification for their Apple ID. Directions are available on the Apple support page.
(Via MacRumors)
