Bad news for some Aussie, NZ and U.K. Apple device owners!

from JoeUser Forums

 

Here’s hoping you didn’t wake up this morning to a ransom notice from the hacker/hackers known as “Oleg Pliss”.

This goes for iPhones, iPads, and Mac users whose devices are being held ransom until a $50-$150 ransom is paid.

Apple blog threads detail how the hack was accomplished through Apple’s own Find My iPhone feature (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6270410?start=0&tstart=0).

“Fortunately, those who had set passcodes were able to regain access, because you can't add or change a lock on a device that already has one in place, but those without the security measure weren't so lucky.” – engadget

Rest assured, though…Apple will work directly with those affected to fix the issue.

In the meantime, Apple device owners in the U.K., and New Zealand are also reporting issues.

I’m betting there are already cases in the US.

Apple has notified that its Cloud Services have not been breached. So, likely this is happening via recycled passwords.

PLEASE! Use unique passwords and a password manager (LastPass or KeePass)!

 

Source:

http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/27/apple-id-random-find-my-iphone-hack/?utm_source=Feed_Classic_Full&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget&?ncid=rss_full

34,661 views 16 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So......what's next? :S  I'm so glad I got no Apple stuff. 

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Uvah, reply 1

So......what's next?  I'm so glad I got no Apple stuff. 
End of Uvah's quote

Seems to me it doesn't matter what 'stuff' you have, the a-holes who put this crap out there don't care if you're running Windows, Android or Apple OSes, they're going to exploit any or all if they find a means to do so.  For mine, the penalties for this kind of thing just aren't adequate, and maybe the removal of various body parts of convicted perps might just act as a greater disincentive.

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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Won't affect me....I only barely even tolerate people who have Apple stuff...;)

Tho it might be a timely reminder to check whether my Samsung's pass is in place...;)

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Hoping none of our folks get hit with this crap...

But please: Make sure you have a UNIQUE PASSWORD for every site requiring one. A master password keeper like lastPass or KeePass can simplify things greatly for you, as well.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 3
I only barely even tolerate people who have Apple stuff...
End of Jafo's quote

 

Racist!   ;P

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Hankers, reply 5

Quoting Jafo, reply 3I only barely even tolerate people who have Apple stuff...

 

Racist!  
End of Hankers's quote

People 'claim' Apple hardware is sexy....

 

...so that makes me 'sexist'....;)

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'm with Jafo.... there will be nothing made by Apple ever in this house. 

Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting LightStar, reply 8

I'm with Jafo.... there will be nothing made by Apple ever in this house. 
End of LightStar's quote

I'm dubious cos the logo [apple] has a bite out of it... makes you wonder what's missing, not to mention what you might catch after somebody's gnashers have been there.   Nah, it's not the most well thought out logo in business history... not to mention that he stole it and the Apple name from the Beatles.

As for Apple hardware being sexy, it falls well short of that in my book... there's much nicer stuff around.  Besides, being that Apple uses components from Intel, Nvidia, Samsung and other popular manufacturers, don't that make its stuff ordinary, like Apple users say about other branded PCs?

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'm of the personal feeling that eventually no matter what brand or type of tech we use it will get compromised, it's just a matter of time.  Yes we can delay it by practicing good procedures when using our tech but as sure as the sun rises in the eastern sky (it still does that, right) , well you get it.   :sun:

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting LightStar, reply 8
there will be nothing made by Apple ever in this house.
End of LightStar's quote

Quoting Jafo, reply 3
I only barely even tolerate people who have Apple stuff
End of Jafo's quote

 

Well... I for one have a Macbook Pro Retina, and an iPhone5 and a rats ass has more value than your "opinions". (LOL)

 

What I find absolutely HILARIOUS about this is the foot in mouth that these Mac Fanatics that wave the big old security flag while thumping on their chests like Tarzan after a viagra banana, will be experiencing.

 

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks for the info, Doc! 

I am a mac only  person for the past few years (iPhone, iPad, Airmac and desktop) , so that puts me in the minority, but I have never been hit with a virus malware etc ,or an update that makes me want to tear my hear out and scream "Why for Gods sake, WHY???"  except for the new theme, which sucks IMO.   True, I do use mac Keeper, because I used to dual boot when i was still making windowblinds,  and never bothered to take it off after I reclaimed the partition.  Being a true  geek, I passcode everything - it is like breathing.  But that is a learned response  - like remembering to save my psd's before I flatten them! 

Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top

Heard this morning that it was a 'proof of concept' trial run, that no devices had 'actually' been locked or info stolen and that devices with a passcode enabled were supposedly not affected.  Never know what to believe, these days, though, so precautions are in order.

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Phoon, reply 11
Quoting LightStar,
reply 8
there will be nothing made by Apple ever in this house.

Quoting Jafo,
reply 3
I only barely even tolerate people who have Apple stuff



Well... I for one have a Macbook Pro Retina, and an iPhone5
End of Phoon's quote

Okay, then, you can go to the naughty corner to consider your inapropriate actions, young man.

And DON'T come out until you have learned the errors of your ways. :-" ;P :w00t:

At the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference and what works best for the individual, so I really don't care what tech others have.  To be honest, I would like to have the latest Mac Pro desktop PC that sort of looks like a cylinder, but the cost is somewhat out of my price range, even for the lower model, at this point in my life, though things could change further down the track.... with a change in circumstances and bit of serious saving and sacrifice, perhaps.

As for the attacks on tech, it's like Philly and I have already said, there's people out there looking to exploit whatever tech you have, so it's wise to update security and passwords regularly.

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting boopish, reply 12
I have never been hit with a virus malware etc ,or an update that makes me want to tear my hear out and scream "Why for Gods sake, WHY???
End of boopish's quote

Actually there are viruses/Trojans tailored for the Apple OS... why hasn't your machine been hit? Probably the sites you visit, emails you open or not, etc. 

Don't expect that to last, Betty. Apple's devices are getting hit plenty because they're more and more popular. You probably should consider some form of defense.

Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 15


Quoting boopish, reply 12I have never been hit with a virus malware etc ,or an update that makes me want to tear my hear out and scream "Why for Gods sake, WHY???

Actually there are viruses/Trojans tailored for the Apple OS... why hasn't your machine been hit? Probably the sites you visit, emails you open or not, etc. 

Don't expect that to last, Betty. Apple's devices are getting hit plenty because they're more and more popular. You probably should consider some form of defense.
End of DrJBHL's quote

Great advice Doc!  When my niece had her Macbook Pro she got hit with a nasty that essentially forced her to do a reformat to completely cleanse her machine, and that was early last year sometime... so yeah, with attacks on Apple devices on the rise, it would be ill-advised to run an internet capable device without protection.