News: Apple users - Make sure you have a Passlock set

[MI5]

I don't usually post these kind of announcements but this is serious.

It started in Aus and has now been reported in the UK too.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6270410?start=0&tstart=0

[Anonymous]

Certainly one to keep an eye on !

I always have the 4 digit pass-lock set and my sim pin activated.

[MI5]

It appears that the hackers get in through your iCloud account and can then set a passcode to lock your phone (only if one not already set).
They then demand money to tell you the passcode to unlock your own phone.
There are ways around paying but it's much easier to have a passcode set in the first place to prevent the attack.....

[Anonymous]

One of the good things about some Android devices (I don't know about Apple) is that the numerical password can be more than 4 numbers if the user so wishes. I myself have a longer one both on the sim lock and screen lock.

Recommend everyone protects their devices, remember in many cases they are £500+ devices.

[Toby]

Thanks very much for posting this MI5. Even though these types of threads are not usually your style, this will be really helpful

[Anonymous]

Thanks @MI5!

[MI5]

I just heard this reported om the National BBC news on my way home from work, but as usual the news broke here first

[Anonymous]

Some further info about iCloud NOT being compromised / breached.

A bit better news.

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2014/05/28/apple-says-no-icloud-breach/

Source : idownloadblog

[MI5]

Of course they would deny it was but I see they offer no explanation why this is happening to everyone without a passcode set ??
They also fail to mention the reported UK cases too.....

[Anonymous]

@MI5 said "Of course they would deny it was but I see they offer no explanation why this is happening to everyone without a passcode set ??
They also fail to mention the reported UK cases too....."

I agree an explanation should be forthcoming.

Have you a link to a media report saying this has happened to Uk Users please ?

I've seen this for Australian end users https://uk.news.yahoo.com/australian-apple-users-report-lost-phone-cyber-attack-071845697--finance.h...

And http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27588972

"However, reports have emerged from further afield, with at least one case said to have occurred in London. It involved an Australian visiting on holiday."