How to secure iCloud to minimize ransomware threats on your Apple devices
Ransomware attacks have left many Apple users locked out of their iOS devices and Mac computers due to a recent spate of them. Some users wondered if Apple had been hacked by the nature of these attacks. It does not seem like Apple has been hacked. Unfortunately, hackers managed to steal login credentials from some users.
Hackers are targeting users by logging in to their iCloud accounts, activating the “Find My iPhone” function, and causing them to be hacked. This feature locks down the iOS or Mac device until the user enters a six-digit password. The attackers will hold on to the six-digit code and demand that users pay Bitcoin ransom to gain access to their devices.
Find My iPhone is designed to assist users in finding and securing lost devices. It will still lock even if the user resets or reformats their device.
To protect themselves, there are several strategies users can use. These are some precautions you can take right away.
- Change your password to iCloud: The root cause of this ransomware problem is leaked or stolen credentials to iCloud. Although it’s not clear from where these credentials came from, it is obvious that the vulnerability is there. You can prevent any attack by changing your iCloud password, preferably to something that you have not used on any other device or website.
- Disable Find My iPhone: This step may seem like a drastic option. It is possible to protect your device by turning it off, as Find My iPhone is the method hackers use to lock users’ phones. This strategy may be useful as a temporary measure since we don’t know how hackers gained access to user information. You should know that turning off Find My iPhone means you’re giving up the protection you might need in case you lose your iOS or Mac device. If your device is lost or stolen, you won’t have the ability to track, lock or wipe it.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication can prevent attackers from messing around with your settings, as long as they don’t have an Apple device in their hands. Apple will send a code to trusted devices each time you attempt to modify iCloud settings. This step will provide an alert system that lets you know if someone has accessed your account. It might even prevent attackers from activating the Find My iPhone Lock feature.
Although ransomware is a bad situation, this one seems to be contained. You, your devices, and data will be safe if you follow the steps.