All iPhone owners warned over ‘spray and pray’ iMessage attack – three red flags to look for or risk bank emptying hack
As an iPhone owner, you may have received a message that appears to be from a friend or family member, but is actually a malicious attempt to gain access to your device and empty your bank account. This type of attack is known as a “spray and pray” iMessage attack, and it’s becoming increasingly common.
In this article, we’ll discuss what these attacks look like, how they work, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling victim to them. We’ll also cover three red flags to look out for that could indicate you’re being targeted by a “spray and pray” iMessage attack.
What is a “Spray and Pray” iMessage Attack?
A “spray and pray” iMessage attack is a type of phishing scam that uses group chats to spread malware links to unsuspecting victims. The attackers create a group chat with multiple people, some of whom may be compromised accounts, and send a message with a malicious link. The link is designed to look like it’s from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a popular online service, and the message may even appear to be from a friend or family member.
The goal of the attack is to trick victims into clicking on the malicious link, which can then download malware onto their device or direct them to a phishing website designed to steal sensitive information like login credentials or financial information. These attacks are particularly concerning because they can be difficult to spot, especially if you’re not aware of the red flags to look out for.
How Do “Spray and Pray” iMessage Attacks Work?
Here’s an example of how a “spray and pray” iMessage attack might work:
- The attacker creates a group chat with several people, including some compromised accounts.
- The attacker sends a message to the group with a malicious link, disguised as a legitimate source, such as a bank or online service.
- The message may appear to be from a friend or family member, making it more likely that you’ll click on the link.
- If you click on the link, it can download malware onto your device or direct you to a phishing website designed to steal sensitive information.
Red Flag 1: Messages from Unfamiliar Contacts
One of the most obvious red flags for a “spray and pray” iMessage attack is a message from an unfamiliar contact. If you receive a message from someone you don’t know, it’s important to be cautious and not click on any links or provide any personal information. Legitimate messages from banks and online services will typically come from recognized contacts, so if you’re unsure about the source of a message, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Red Flag 2: Suspicious Links
Another red flag for a “spray and pray” iMessage attack is a suspicious link. If a message contains a link that looks strange or doesn’t seem quite right, don’t click on it. Legitimate links from banks and online services will typically have a recognizable domain name, so if you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a link, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Red Flag 3: Urgent or Threatening Language
Finally, a third red flag for a “spray and pray” iMessage attack is urgent or threatening language in the message. If a message creates a sense of urgency or uses threatening language to try to get you to click on a link or provide personal information, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate messages from banks and online services will typically be straightforward and professional, without any sense of urgency or threats.
How to Protect Yourself from “Spray and Pray” iMessage Attacks
To protect yourself from “spray and pray” iMessage attacks, follow these best practices:
- Be cautious with messages from unfamiliar contacts. If you don’t recognize the contact, don’t click on any links or provide any personal information.
- Avoid suspicious links. If a link looks strange or doesn’t seem quite right, don’t click on it. Legitimate links from banks and online services will typically have a recognizable domain name.
- Watch out for urgent or threatening language. Legitimate messages from banks and online services will typically be straightforward and professional, without any sense of urgency or threats.
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access.
- Keep your device and its software up to date. Apple regularly releases updates to its operating systems to address security vulnerabilities, so make sure to install these updates as soon as they become available.
- Use a reputable antivirus app. Installing an antivirus app can help protect your device from malware and other online threats.
Conclusion
“Spray and pray” iMessage attacks are becoming increasingly common, but by being aware of the red flags and following best practices, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Remember to be cautious with messages from unfamiliar contacts, avoid suspicious links, watch out for urgent or threatening language, use two-factor authentication, keep your device and its software up to date, and install a reputable antivirus app. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from “spray and pray” iMessage attacks and keep your personal information safe.