HACKERS STRIKE MOBILE DEVICES
If you don’t have a passcode
on your smart phone or tablet, set one today
Recent news reports have
revealed some owners of iPhones and iPads can be locked out of their devices –
permanently – by remote hackers.
Australian hackers recently
compromised the Apple iCloud accounts of hundreds of Mac, iPhone and iPad
users. Once logged in to a compromised iCloud account, the hackers have changed
the account password, and utilized the Find My iPhone feature of the service to
send remote lock commands to any devices connected to the account. As a result,
a message appears demanding a ransom in exchange for unlocking the device.
·
An affected user with a passcode set can simply enter that
passcode to bypass the lock and regain access to the device.
·
A user with no passcode can’t bypass the lock, essentially rendering
the device inoperable.
There are steps you can take
to protect your device, your data, and yourself.
By taking advantage of the
built-in security protections afforded by setting a passcode, you can protect
your mobile device from being compromised by malicious persons or groups. A
passcode doesn’t just allow you to bypass an unauthorized device lock, as in
the example above. It also enables encryption, keeping your data safe and
secure in the event your device is lost or stolen.
Many of
the attributes that make mobile devices great technology companions also make
them easy targets for thieves and hackers. We’ve put together a guide
that describes a few key actions – including setting a passcode – that you can
take to ensure your data remains protected. (http://www.hofstra.edu/About/IT/HelpDesk/helpdesk_travel_mobile.html)
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat
