In the past, our important data was stored in personal computers. Nowadays, all the same information and more are stored in the little computers we carry around constantly, our smartphones. The smartphone knows where you are at any given moment with GPS, it knows who you talk to, it has photos of family and friends and it stores passwords to many accounts. Anything someone would want to know about a person can be found on their smartphone.
Trojan apps are one way that thieves are accessing smartphones. The apps look legitimate or say they preform better than the original. Security patches for smartphones need to keep up with the need.
On the dark web, hackers are selling Apple IDs for $15.39 each. Pretty cheap compared to what it would cost the owner. The thieves can then use the Apple ID to access the account or create more accounts in your name. Most accounts aren’t really stolen, they are given away in phishing scams that ask a user to click on a link in a legitimate looking e-mail that claims to be from Apple, asking you to log in to verify your data. Don’t click the link. Go to a browser and use the real website to make sure it’s not a phishing scam.
How else to prevent your Apple ID from being stolen? Set up two-factor authentication. Usually, a verification code is sent to your device, one that you still have in your possession and the hacker doesn’t.
In case you were wondering, here’s the value of logins from other companies on the dark web:
Netflix $8.32
PayPal $237
Macy’s $15.34
online banking details $160.15
logins to Amazon and Walmart $9 each
Dating.com profile costing $2.60
Sources:
https://www.cnet.com/news/your-smartphones-are-getting-more-valuable-for-hackers/
https://www.cnet.com/news/this-is-how-much-your-apple-id-is-worth-on-the-dark-web/
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-stop-hackers-from-stealing-apple-id/