Apple devices 'hijacked for ransom' in Australia By Dave Lee

Technology reporter, BBC News Published duration 28 May 2014

image copyright Forum user amberoonie image caption One Apple forum member posted this image, and other alerts asked users to pay a ransom fee

Several users of Apple devices in Australia have reported that their gadgets have been "hijacked" - with a message demanding money.

Experts believed the hack had targeted users by exploiting the Find my iPhone feature.

A message appeared on some targeted phones asking for "$100 USD/EUR" to be sent to a PayPal account.

Networks advised affected users to contact Apple, which denied its cloud storage service had been breached.

"Apple takes security very seriously and iCloud was not compromised during this incident. Impacted users should change their Apple ID password as soon as possible and avoid using the same user name and password for multiple services," the firm said in a statement to The Register news site

"Any users who need additional help can contact AppleCare or visit their local Apple Retail Store."

PayPal has said any funds sent to the specified account would be refunded.

'Woke me up'

According to the Sydney Morning Herald , the problem spread across much of Australia, with reports of attacks in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria.

image copyright Apple image caption Apple's iCloud co-ordinates data across devices but cut one journalist off from his digital life

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.

Concerned users took to Apple's support forums, and Twitter, to share details of attacks, which affected iPhones, iPads and, in some cases, Mac laptops.

"This has happened to me too in Brisbane, woke me up half an hour ago," wrote one user, amberoonie.

"Freaking out as when I opened my laptop it had the same message 'Device hacked by Oleg Pliss. For unlock device' with the Find My iPhone icon."

It is unlikely the hacker would use his real name in the message.

'Not an option'

Information security consultant Brian Honan told the BBC that so far little is known about the source of the attacks.

He said theories ranged from someone having access to Apple's systems, to hackers having access to a database of usernames and passwords - perhaps obtained from a third party.

Regardless, he said Apple had to move quickly to reassure users.

"One of the key things, as in any security breach, is being able to communicate proactively with your affected customers," he said.

"Even just to let them know what you're doing to deal with the issue can be reassuring."

Follow Dave Lee on Twitter @DaveLeeBBC