Global Scam Alert to iPhone Users 

Apple warns users in 98 countries of cyberattacks attacking their iPhone devices through SMS scams. 

The Indian government’s cyber agency, Cyberdost, has recently reported of a new scam targeting iPhone users, identified through messages. For instance, when users send a message via the iMessage app, they receive a notification claiming that the message couldn’t be sent due to wrong address, requiring them to respond within 24 hours and providing a web link to click on. 

A Worrisome Confirmation 

Apple acknowledged this attack and published a document entitled “Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams,” guiding users on how to protect their accounts from being a target to cybercriminals. 

iPhone users are not only targeted through messages, but also come via phone calls and emails. Hackers often impersonate Apple or the bank so they can steal users’ email addresses, passcodes, and two-factor authentication (2FA) data. 

Keep Your Data to Yourself 

To protect users from such scams and help them avoid them, the iPhone maker advises users to take some steps, such as never sharing their personal information, mainly security codes with anyone, stay aware of suspicious websites, by avoiding saving any passwords. They are also required to use features, such as Face ID or Touch ID to add an extra layer of security. 

The Big Tech giant suggests never using Apple Gift Cards for payments to others and recommends always downloading software from trusted sources and keeping the device updated. 

Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, emphasized that “when phishing attacks are such a big problem, it is vital that users remain aware of the problem surrounding the potential issues and understand the risks.” 

Final Thoughts 

Apple’s alert shows that it is fully aware of the growing risks of various scams targeting its devices. Yet, as the company plans to integrate AI into its devices, will this increase the risks of attacks given that AI tools are very used in such acts? Or will it help in enhancing security? Apple now faces a challenge to make a balance between entering the world of AI safely and continuing in enhancing its security measures to protect users from cyber threats. 

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