Australians who use iPads, iPhones and other Apple gadgets are being urged to change their iCloud passwords in the wake of a security breach.
Dozens of Australian users took to online forums on Tuesday to report that their Apple gadgets had been remotely locked by a hacker who demanded a ransom upwards of $100.
The federal government's Stay Smart Online website has advised all Australian Apple users to reset their Apple ID as a precaution. NSW Police made the same recommendation on its Facebook page.
Apple said in a statement that iCloud, a service that stores users' content in the internet "cloud" for access across numerous devices, was not compromised.
But Apple said impacted users "should change their Apple ID passwords as soon as possible and avoid using the same user name and password for multiple devices".
The method of attack has not been confirmed, but attackers likely gained username and password information from a third-party breach, then used the information to infiltrate iCloud accounts through trial and error.
They then likely used a feature to remotely lock users out.
Users with a passcode activated have reported being able to bypass the lockout, but users without have had to restore their phone to factory settings.
Users who needed additional help have been told to contact AppleCare or visit an Apple store.
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