Hacker attacks: Detect fake iCloud mail - how it works
Since September, hacker attacks have been carried out using fake iCloud emails. We will show you how to recognize the emails.
Hacker attacks via fake iCloud emails
- On August 31, 2014, a hacker posted numerous nude photos of celebrities on the 4chan.org website.
- The hacker got access to the iCloud accounts of the stars and stole the pictures. Due to probably poorly chosen security questions, he was able to restore the passwords of the account.
- Other hackers are taking advantage of current consumer uncertainty. Through fake iCloud mails, they are required to provide their login data and thus become victims.
This is what the fake iCloud email looks like
- The email will notify you that your Apple account has been temporarily disabled. This is a pure security measure to protect you.
- To release your account again, you have to open the link "Update My Apple / iCloud Account". This leads you to a deceptively real-looking but fake Apple website.
- As soon as you log in here, the hackers have all their iCloud data. This includes not only personal data such as address and payment information, but also your personal emails, notes, pictures and much more. Theoretically, the account can also be deleted by the hackers.
Hacker attacks: how to identify the fake iCloud mails
The fake emails look deceptively real. At first glance, the mail appears serious and genuine. However, there are some points in which the mail reveals itself.
- Language: The mail will only be sent in English. Native speakers may not be unsettled, but the alarm bells should ring in Germany. If Apple communicates with you, it will also be in German.
- Spelling: Those who have paid careful attention to English lessons at school will recognize that there are small mistakes in the text. This is also an indication of a fake.
- Address: The email address is also extremely striking. An address with the ending "@ apple.com" would be expected, but the mails will be sent from a rather dubious mail address like " ".
- Link: The link you should click on does not lead to the Apple website - even if it looks like it. Therefore, always check the link for correctness.
- Tip: To avoid opening dangerous links, right-click on the link in the mail and select the "Copy address" option. So the link can be viewed beforehand.