A number of iOS and Mac users in Australia are reporting a growing issue on Apple's support forums (via The Age) in which hackers are locking iPhones, iPads and Macs remotely through iCloud. Compromised devices are also displaying warning messages offering unlocks for money.

australian_ios_device_hacked

A hacker's message on a compromised iMac (via The Age)

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.

Member Sei_L on Apple's forums also reports a similar message:

Same things here, both Ipads got the "hacked by Oleg Pliss" message, both have passcodes. In Western Australia also. I've chatted with Apple Chat and they said "this is very serious." They've set up a phone call back from the correct department (whoever they are) tomorrow morning so we'll see what happens then. We can access the ipads because they both had passcodes but when an app is used, it comes up with GameCentre password request; we didn't put it in.

IT security expert Troy Hunt commented on the specifics of the issue, stating that the hackers are likely using compromised data exposed from recent security breaches to login to iCloud accounts. Hunt also notes that the accounts hacked were likely not using two-step verification, suggesting that a single password would have not had granted access had the feature been turned on.

Apple has yet to officially comment on the issue, although users are encouraged to turn on two-step verification for their Apple ID with directions available on a support page.

Top Rated Comments

surfingarbo Avatar
128 months ago
Sigh, I wish my devices were hacked. It would force me to actually go outside and admire real life.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
declandio Avatar
128 months ago
Maybe it would be best if such idiots didn't have passwords like 'password123' then whine when someone hacks then. Honestly, I wish there was a fine for those idiots who choose stupid passwords and then find themselves hack - $1,000 fine would be a good incentive to stop people from being idiots.

There should also be a fine for presumptuous posts made by idiots who think they're somehow superior to people they know nothing about.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
retroneo Avatar
128 months ago
The guy puts his name right in the hack. Australia is relatively small. Just drive over to his house.

It's still the sixth largest country in the world.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rmatthewware Avatar
128 months ago
Death penalty for hackers.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Truffy Avatar
128 months ago
So glad I never use iCloud.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newdeal Avatar
128 months ago
Not sure why this article is buried in the side bar instead of on the main feed of macrumors...
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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