Apple has been hit by what is suspected to be the first large scale attack on its app store.
Hackers have created a counterfeit version of Apple’s software for building iOS apps, which developers were persuaded to download. The apps in question are particular popular for iPad and iPhone users in China.
In a statement, Apple has said they are taking steps to remove the malicious code. The code acts to steal data about users and send it back to the hackers’ servers when it is used to compile the software for an app – there’s also potential for passwords and other information to be stolen by tricking users with fake alerts.
Chat apps, car-hailing apps (similar to Uber) and music apps have all been found to be infected – with some of them being available outside China. The store has been ‘cleared’ of infected apps according to reports.
People have been shown to be less careful on mobile devices than they are on their mobile devices – stories like this show pretty much anyone could be at risks. This kind of thing is not meant to happen in a walled community like Apples App store – so users should see this story as a reminder to exercise caution, ensure your device is protected as numerous security measures are available for your devices.
@IT_SecGuru
