The new malware affecting iPhones in China and Taiwan is called YiSpecter and it is causing users to encounter fullscreen ads on Apple devices. There are also a number of other security breaches that are associated with the malware, which is being referred to as a new species all together, according to recent reports.
“The malicious software, dubbed YiSpecter, is reportedly able to “install and launch arbitrary iOS apps, replace existing apps with those it downloads, hijack other apps’ execution to display advertisements, change Safari’s default search engine, bookmarks and opened pages, and upload device information,” according to US-based cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, reported CNET.
Interestingly enough, CNETÂ reported that the malware is being spread as users get tricked into downloading a corrupt version of a QVOD player. What’s funny about the QVOD media player is that users are using it to share pornographic content, according to the report. Users who wish do so must find alternate ways like the media player because the content is illegal in China.
“YiSpecter is able to make use of private application programming interfaces (APIs) to install itself on infected devices and then trick iOS’ SpringBoard, the software that manages things like app icons on the home screen, to prevent users from deleting it,” according to CNET.
“The malware takes this deception a step further by using the same name and logos of system apps. It does not even require the iPhone or iPad to be jailbroken, the term used to describe the process of unlocking a device so you can install unauthorized apps.”
The malware is highly intrusive and compromises the safety and usability of the mobile device, however, CNET reported that the issue was resolved in iOS 9. Apple, a company highly regarded for their security walls, now seems to be struggling like many of the other tech companies in it’s rank.
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