iOS hackers Detailed in Russia For Hacking and Holding iOS devices for ransom

Two iOS hackers were detained in Russia for hacking iDevices through iCloud and holding them in return for a ransom. The suspects include 23-year-old Ivan and 17-year-old that was his partner. They are residents of Southern Administrative District of Moscow. They were detained during operational activities performed by Russian Interior Ministry.

Ivan has been a keen learner of computers and hacking, MKRU from Russia says. He was always looking for easy ways to make money. Not many details are available about his partner.

The apartments of the hackers had SIM cards, PCs, smartphones, and hacking literature. They confessed, and it is not clear if they have any link to the ransom attacks in Russia.

Only a few weeks ago, iDevice users in Australia reported about the message locking them out of their devices. Hackers remotely locked devices through iCloud, and demanded $50-$100 for opening them. An email address was provided for payment.

Apple said the following:

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

Internal Ministry of Affairs in Russia said the caught hackers accessed Apple ID from unauthorized email address, phishing websites, and social engineering techniques. There was also a pre-arranged iCloud account involved.

“The pre-arranged account was one that hackers owned and then ‘leased’, or sold, to users that offered a bunch of movies and music on it. But in order to access the content, users needed to link their devices to the account, which left it vulnerable to being hijacked by hackers who knew its log-in details.”

The hack emphasises how important it is to change your Apple ID password frequently and activate two-step authentication.