NEW YORK, July 7: Tech experts have issued a critical warning to iPhone users following the discovery of a sophisticated cyberattack targeting Apple IDs. Michael Nowatkowski, director of the Cyber Institute at Augusta University, emphasized the severity of the threat, likening the Apple ID to a "master key" that unlocks the phone's crucial functionalities.

The scam operates through deceptive text messages purporting to be from Apple, prompting recipients to click on a link under the guise of accessing urgent information related to iCloud.

"These messages lead users to a seemingly legitimate website that has actually been meticulously recreated by cybercriminals," explained Nowatkowski. Once on the fake site, unsuspecting users are prompted to divulge their Apple ID credentials, potentially granting attackers access to sensitive data such as contacts and payment information.

Ramnath Chellappa, an information systems professor at Emory University, underscored the importance of safeguarding against such threats. He recommended enabling two-factor authentication, which necessitates both a password and a verification code from an external device.

"If the verification is coming from a different device, it adds an additional layer of security before access to your account is granted," Chellappa cautioned.

Moreover, Chellappa advised users to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any unexpected messages before taking action.

"Unless you initiated the request yourself, it's crucial not to trust unsolicited emails or SMS," he warned.

As cybersecurity measures continue to evolve, vigilance and proactive steps remain paramount in protecting personal information from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.