A nasty “ransomware” attack is going around and you need to be aware of it if you have an iPhone and/or iPad. Hackers are remotely locking iPhones and iPads and demanding a ransom in order to regain access. Horrible, despicable, reprehensible and unconscionable are just a few of the descriptions of these hackers that come to mind when I hear stories like this.
In some cases—specifically, when a user hasn’t assigned a strong passcode to a locked device—it can only be unlocked by performing a factory reset, which completely wipes all previously stored data and apps. People with a locked device should immediately try changing the credentials for their Apple ID and ensure two-factor authentication is set up. In the event their locked device didn’t have a passcode associated with it, they can perform a factory reset by using a cable to plug the device into their computer while iTunes is open.
If the device has been backed up on iCloud, a user can retrieve data and re-download apps. But I would also highly recommend extra insurance, so to speak, by doubly backing up to an alternate remote site — to iDrive. Just sign up for a free account (you must click the button next to Free 5 GB to change it from a Pro account) and you can backup up to 5 GB for free; all contacts, calendars, photos and videos can be uploaded. You must first download the iDrive app from the App Store and login, of course.
It just adds peace of mind to know an additional backup of your most precious digital files will be available in the event you are attacked by the hackers. And, hey, it’s free!