A new virus is infecting iPhones - the Ikee - forcing users to look at a picture of Rick Astley as their wallpaper.
It's only affecting jailbroken phones - those modified to run non-Apple approved software - but can jump from iPhone to iPhone with no input.
The hacker that developed the worm has been identifies as Ashley Towns (who goes by the handle ikeeex), who has stated that he initially infected 100 units with the worm.
"Due to the nature of it, it's kind of hard to tell, I know my phone hit about 100 alone but from there I have no idea," he said.
Waving hello to Astley
He said that the virus hit the first wave of people at 4am on 6 November, and has quickly proliferated around the globe.
There are reports of it changing the picture it sends as well, so if your background suddenly appears to have another picture, then you're probably a victim.
While some are labelling this attack as 'mobile vandalism', others are stating that it shows how unprotected jailbroken iPhones are, especially as mobile virus attacks are on the rise.
If you're one of the users affected by the virus, a conversation with the hacker has been published, where he tells how to unlock the code.
Via Sophos Blog
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
a.n.other
November 10th
5. So how is it CRIPPLED? The virus author just changes the wallpaper as a warning. Besides, the virus just uses the fact that SSH (a remote access application) is installed with a standard password, that you should change immediately after your 1st login, and you're protected again. But well, sensationalist journalism eh..
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fishyer
November 9th
4. It shows that u shouldnt unlock an iphone and the hacker demonstrated it, how defo shouldnt be arrested
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ravenperch
November 9th
3. exactlyy!!!!! and now do you like microsoft? the world said that they liked macintosh because it didnt have virus's, well let me tell you something, thats becasue the macs dont sell!!! create a global village as big as microsoft's and you are bound to have virus's. thats right, keep growing apple, we'll see who quits in the end.
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t2af
November 9th
2. geez, ever thought of writing an article with some facts in it ? this doesn't cripple the iphone .. and only effect those who have enabled ssh , it also disables incoming ssh after being install preventing the phone from further attack. Also there are only reports in Australia. you guys suck at reporting ... get another job..
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avinashiitd
November 9th
1. If you have jailbroken your Iphone and not changed the default password of SSH, then someone may hack it easily and may even ask for a ransom.
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