News
Apple responds on hacked iTunes accounts
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, July 6, 2010
News Category: Apple, Apps + Games, iTunes
Apple has issued a response to reports of iTunes users seeing their accounts hacked and used to purchase certain apps in order to build App Store rankings. “The developer Thuat Nguyen and his apps were removed from the App Store for violating the developer Program License Agreement, including fraudulent purchase patterns,” Apple told Engadget. “Developers do not receive any iTunes confidential customer data when an app is downloaded. If your credit card or iTunes password is stolen and used on iTunes we recommend that you contact your financial institution and inquire about canceling the card and issuing a chargeback for any unauthorized transactions. We also recommend that you change your iTunes account password immediately. For more information on best practices for password security visit http://www.apple.com/support/itunes.” It remains unclear how many accounts were compromised, or how, although it has been suggested that it was a very small percentage of the 100 million active iTunes accounts.
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1
My account was hacked into about a month ago. Apple was very opaque about their side of the problem. For instance, the main information they provide is to suggest I change my password as suggested in your article.
A variety of aps and music were purchased over a brief period of time in increments of just under $50.
I think Apple probably does have a problem they are not talking about. I have bought things online for years. This is the first security problem I’ve ever experienced. I’ve taken my credit card OFF my iTunes account. It’s gift cards for me from now on.
Posted by Pam on July 6, 2010 at 5:26 PM (PDT)
2
My son’s account was also hacked, he lost £1200 and it took weeks and lots of phonecalls to get it sorted, there were 38 transactions over a rew days and the bank didn’t spot something weas up with an account that normally only makes 1 or two transactions per week.
He had a strong password so what more could he do?
Posted by Mike on July 7, 2010 at 1:37 PM (PDT)