Apple is reportedly under pressure to pay a ransom to a group of hackers who are threatening to remotely wipe iPhones.
The hackers are called the “Turkish Crime Family.” Considering how big Apple is, the hackers are asking for a small ransom from the company, with the amount coming in at $75,000 in Bitcoin. Alternatively, the company could give $100,000 in iTunes gift cards, according to a report by Motherboard.
The fact that the hackers publicized the threat to the media suggests that they probably want to make Apple more worried, while also letting users know that the company can do nothing but pay.
The hackers also released screenshots of alleged emails between the group and members of Apple's security team. They also posted a YouTube video showing them being able to log into stolen accounts, view photos, and remotely wipe devices.
One of the emails allegedly sent by Apple to the hackers asks them to download the video while stating:
“We would like you to know that we do not reward cybercriminals for breaking the law.”
Motherboard, on the other hand, reports that the details it has about the hack show some inconsistencies. In one of the emails, the hacker claims to have access to 300 million Apple email accounts, while in another the number reaches 559 million.
For its part, Apple seems to be keeping its cool. However, the hackers have given them until April 7th to pay the ransom. Will the erasure of iPhones via iCloud begin? Is it true or not? Be patient and we'll see.
The pressure that hackers are reportedly putting on Apple through the media probably indicates that negotiations are not going so well.
