Issue
- Apple users in Australia and New Zealand report iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers hacked and held ransom
- Protect your Apple device from Antipodean iOS ransomware
Solution
A number of cases have been reported in which users' iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers were hacked and held ransom. This threat, also known as Antipodean iOS ransomware, locks the users phone and threatens to delete all data unless a ransom is paid. While this threat has currently only been reported in Australia and New Zealand, there are steps you can take to protect your device from such threats.
- Enable Apple’s two-step verification for Apple ID credentials. Two-step verification reduces the possibility that someone will gain access to your device and make unauthorized changes. Two-step verification also makes it easier to recover your device should this occur.
- Change your AppleID password and ensure that you are not re-using a password from another service that might have been compromised.
If you have been affected by this threat
- Attempt to wipe your device, including its passcode, using recovery mode.
For additional information about ransomware, please see our ESET blog post.
