After discovering a potential flaw in Apple Inc.'s iOS this week, the U.S. government headed by the National Cyber security Department calls for Apple users to be cautious against hackers who might take advantage of the weakness.
Fire Eye Inc., a cyber security and malware protection agency discovered that Apple's widely used operating system is vulnerable to cyber attacks and released a blog post about how the attack could affect Apple devices.
The shocking news prompted government authorities, including the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Teams together with the National Cyber security and Communications Integration center to announce online informing users about a "Masque Attack," fake applications that mimic legitimate bank or email apps that could "siphon off user's personal information back to hackers without them knowing."
FireEye said that the virus affects all Apple devices operating on iOS 7 or later, a whopping 95 percent of all Apple mobile devices currently used today.
The U.S. agencies called for Apple Users to take precaution in downloading apps from Apple's Store, saying that they must only install apps knowing that there is not hird-party installations involved.
Any download made by an"Untrusted App Developer" as displayed by the iOS warning is considered a red flag.
Just recently, Palo Alto Networks Inc also discovered some iOS apps with potential malware infection named "WireLurker" which targets Mac users. The virus could spread in other devices including the iPad and iPhone when connected to the infected "host" computer.
Both "WireLurker" and "Masque Attack" re able to access personal data including email logins, bank details stored in the phone and other significant credentials.
This threat marks the first time the Cupertino-based company has been targeted by hackers. Apple is claiming that their devices are "virus free," thanks to its flawless system, but now, that idea is challenged with the existence of these viruses.
Apple Inc. touched all-time high yesterday and its shares closed at $113.05 in the extended trading session.
