Reports are coming in that some Australian hackers have found a way to kidnap iPhones and other Apple iOS devices, exploiting a vulnerability in Apple’s Find my iPhone feature.
The hackers are demanding $100 to unlock the phones.
In case this starts showing up in the US, we’re passing on the recommended remediation steps:
1) Follow Apple’s directions for “Use recovery mode” at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1212?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
2) If that doesn’t work, the LA Times technology editor suggests that the iOS device should be taken to an Apple store for assistance.
As of May 27, Apple has not commented.
More info:
http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-apple-ransom-hijacking-20140527-story.html