There are many ways you might lose your data, be it from hackers to using your iOS device on a non-secure Wi-Fi network. However, there are easier ways for those wanting to steal your personal data; and no, we're not talking about the US government's NSA! Back in April there were reports of people receiving texts from 'AppleInc' asking them to confirm their Apple ID as it's about to expire, and that message appears to again be doing the rounds in early July. Here's our guide on staying safe.
How to avoid Apple ID scam: Avoid clicking on unknown links
There are various texts that are being sent to people, such as the one pictured below, courtesy of Dave Vitty on Twitter, who has been receiving texts to change his Apple ID.
The actual URL that is used to manage your Apple account is:https://appleid.apple.com/ - in order for you to know it's the official link, look for the Apple signed SSL certificate by the address bar. There are various browsers out there, such as Google Chrome (pictured below), which will provide you with information about the secured connection to the site you're visiting.
How to avoid Apple ID scam: Am I in danger of clicking these links?
Often clicking a link doesn't result in an automatic virus or stolen details, however sometimes you might find sites have tracking cookies and malicious codes behind them, which you might compromise your security. However, most phishing sites will require you to enter your details so that the hackers can have easy access to your personal details. In either scenario our advice will remain the same: Do not click on links of which you're unsure about, even if they come from your friends and family!
You'll often find a phishing link that would have been sent to you by a friend or family, which has then been clicked-on by them and then automatically shared through his or her contact list. If you ever receive a dubious text message from a contact, always question them about the link - you might even help them uncover that they've been caught by a hoax! Yes, you'll look like an honourable white knight.
How to avoid Apple ID scam: User poll
With the above steps you should feel more secure, let us know in the poll below if you've been a victim or been a stallion and stayed away from those pesky fishers and their baits - we'll see ourselves out for that joke.