iPhone Apple IDs Become Latest Target in New Cyberattack Scheme

iPhone Apple IDs are currently being targeted by a new cyberattack scheme intended to steal users' identities for phishing operations.

Cybersecurity firm Symantec first took note of the cyberattack campaign last Monday as hackers try to steal people's personal and financial information for other criminal operations.

Victims are targeted through malicious emails and SMS where users are often redirected to a fake iCloud login website where bad actors can steal their credentials.

Many of the fake messages reported disguised themselves as cloud service authentication systems, easily duping many users into giving private information.

Symantec did not provide exact numbers on the scope of this new cyberattack scheme but noted that all 1.46 billion iPhone owners are likely vulnerable to the attacks.

Apple already warned its users to keep away from suspicious messages requiring personal information and allowing third parties to access their Apple IDs.

How to Identify iPhone Apple ID Scammers?

Along with its advisory, Apple also detailed instructions to identify Apple ID scammers and how to report them.

According to Apple, scammers would often reach out to their targets to supposedly help them "resolve an immediate problem," usually involving their iPhone or iCloud accounts.

Many cases even showed how cybercriminals would detail people's personal information to appear more legitimate as they ask victims to give their bank details or disable the device's built-in security measures.

Apple claimed it would never require its users to disable its authentication systems, the Stolen Device Protection feature, and other tools to protect the device from hackers.

Users are advised to report suspicious calls quickly to the Federal Trade Commission or local law enforcement agencies.

Scam Operations Target Apple Users More

The new phishing scheme is only part of a growing trend among cybercriminal gangs targeting Apple device users through its brand credibility.

Symantec noted that these schemes have become more prevalent due to Apple's "strong brand reputation" that makes many people more compliant to requests, allowing bad actors to abuse this trust to their advantage.