Apple Data Breaches: A Chronological History

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Apple is known for its innovative and secure technology but is not immune to data breaches. Over the years, the company has experienced several incidents in which unauthorized individuals gained access to confidential information such as names, addresses, financial information, login credentials, and other personal data. This article will provide a chronological overview of the most significant apple data breaches and leaks that impacted Apple from 2010 to 2023.

Chronological List of Data Breaches

Apple Data breaches Infographics
Month/YearEventDetails

September 2022
Zero-Day VulnerabilitiesApple released security updates to address the latest zero-day vulnerabilities affecting a range of devices, including Macs, iPhones, iPads, and others.
August 2022Two Security VulnerabilitiesApple released an update to address two security weaknesses in its WebKit and OS kernel.
March 2022Apple & Meta Data BreachHackers posing as law enforcement officers obtained customer information, including phone numbers and IP addresses, from Apple and Meta.
September 2021Pegasus Spyware iPhone HackA security breach affecting iPhones running iOS was carried out using Pegasus spyware.
2021iCloud Account HackA group of hackers reportedly gained access to the iCloud accounts of high-profile individuals.
January 2021SolarWinds Data BreachThe hackers behind the SolarWinds data breach successfully breached several high-profile victims, including Apple.
2020Apple’s Developer PortalA cyber attack on Apple’s developer portal exposed the personal data of around 283,000 developers.
November 2020iCloud and iTunes for WindowsA security researcher discovered a vulnerability in iCloud and iTunes for Windows.
2019Apple’s Enterprise Developer ProgramA hacker breached Apple’s Enterprise Developer Program, which allows companies to create and distribute in-house iOS apps.
January 2019Google Discovers Data Exploit in iPhonesGoogle discovered a data exploit in iPhones that enabled users to download monitoring spyware.
2018Mac Malware CampaignA malware campaign targeted Mac users primarily in China through a fake version of the Little Snitch software.
October 2018FaceTime Security VulnerabilityA security vulnerability in FaceTime allowed callers to access the microphones and cameras of those they called without their knowledge or consent.
August 2018Mac App Store Malware AttackA security researcher discovered that Apple’s Mac App Store was targeted by malware, infecting many apps.
March 2018Group FaceTime BugA bug in Apple’s Group FaceTime feature allowed users to listen in on the audio of other users before they answered a call.
2017Applebee’s Data BreachThe restaurant chain Applebee’s experienced a data breach affecting customers’ credit and debit card information.
2017iCloud China Data BreachHackers targeted the iCloud accounts of Chinese users, potentially gaining access to personal information.
2016Apple’s Chinese App Store HackHackers infected Apple’s Chinese App Store apps, stealing users’ personal information.
2016Apple Pay HackA group of hackers in Australia used stolen credit card information and made purchases through Apple Pay. 
February 2016iCloud Security BreachAn iCloud security breach exposed the personal data of hundreds of celebrities whose accounts were compromised.
September 2015XcodeGhost MalwareHackers created a malicious version of Xcode, called XcodeGhost and embedded it with malware to collect device information, including the device’s unique identifier.
2015iTunes App Store HackHackers used a phishing scheme to access several developers’s account on the iTunes App Store to post fake apps and steal customer data.
August 2015KeyRaider MalwareKeyRaider breached jailbroken iPhones, accessing login information, private keys, certificates, and online purchase records from about 225,000 iPhone users.
March 2015Phishing AttacksCybercriminals used phishing attacks to steal passwords from approximately 250,000 Apple customers.
September 2014iCloud Celebrity Photo LeakHackers accessed celebrity iCloud accounts by obtaining their login information. They stole and publicly shared hundreds of naked photos on the online forum 4chan.
July 2013Apple Developer Center Data BreachThe iOS Developer Center was hacked, revealing the information of around 275,000 third-party developers who used the platform.
April 2013Apple’s Internal Networks HackHackers gained access to Apple’s internal networks using a security flaw in Java.
August 2012Bluetoad Data BreachThe hacker group AntiSec leaked 12 million Apple device IDs online.

April 2011
Confidential Information BreachHackers accessed confidential information from over 114,000 iPad users who downloaded subscriptions for magazines from Apple’s App Store.
June 2010AT&T BreachTwo hackers exploited a vulnerability in AT&T’s phone network and stole the email addresses of 114,000 iPad users via a brute force attack.

September 2022: Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Apple released security updates on September 12th, 2022, to address the latest zero-day vulnerabilities affecting a range of devices, including Macs, iPhones, iPads, and others. Although there were reports suggesting exploitation, Apple did not confirm it.

August 2022: Two Security Vulnerabilities

On August 17th, Apple released an update to address two security weaknesses in its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. One of the vulnerabilities was in WebKit, the foundation for Safari and other apps, while the other was found in the operating system’s kernel.

A malicious website could use the WebKit weakness to execute code on a device. The OS vulnerability could allow a harmful app to gain complete control over the device. Although Apple was aware that these issues might have been exploited, they did not provide further details.

March 2022: Apple & Meta Data Breach

In late March, hackers posing as law enforcement officers obtained customer information from Apple and tech firm Meta. The information included addresses, phone numbers, and IP addresses from mid-2021. The hackers were believed to be part of the Lapsus$ hacking group responsible for stealing the Galaxy source code from Samsung earlier.

September 2021: Pegasus Spyware iPhone Hack

In September 2021, a security breach affecting iPhones was carried out using Pegasus spyware created by the Israeli cyber arms dealer NSO Group. Pegasus was designed to allow attackers to remotely take over an iPhone and access sensitive information, including texts, emails, contacts, and other data.

The extent and number of people affected is unknown, but high-profile targets, including human rights activists and journalists, were targeted. Apple issued a patch for the vulnerability in the same month.

2021: iCloud Account Hack

A group of hackers reportedly gained access to the iCloud accounts of high-profile individuals, potentially stealing personal information and sensitive files. The hackers used a phishing scam to trick users into providing their login credentials to a fake website. Apple stated that there was no evidence of a breach of iCloud’s security systems.

January 2021: SolarWinds Data Breach

The hackers behind the SolarWinds data breach successfully breached several high-profile victims, including Apple.

2020: Apple’s Developer Portal

A cyber attack on Apple’s developer portal exposed the personal data of around 283,000 developers. The attackers obtained the developers’ names, mailing addresses, and email addresses. No other information was compromised. Apple shut down the developer portal for a week to investigate the attack and later apologized for the inconvenience.

November 2020: iCloud and iTunes for Windows

In November 2020, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in iCloud and iTunes for Windows that could have allowed hackers to steal users’ passwords and other sensitive information. Apple released a security update to address the issue.

2019: Apple’s Enterprise Developer Program

In 2019, a hacker breached Apple’s Enterprise Developer Program, which allows companies to create and distribute in-house iOS apps. The hacker distributed a malicious version of a popular Chinese app capable of stealing personal information from users, such as contacts, messages, and location data. Apple revoked the developer’s certificate and issued a security update to remove the app from affected devices.

January 2019: Google Discovers Data Exploit in iPhones

In January 2019, Google discovered a data exploit in iPhones that enabled users to download monitoring spyware by visiting an infected website. This risked users’ passwords, address books, and messaging histories. Apple issued a patch for the exploit within ten days of being notified by Google.

2018: Mac Malware Campaign

In 2018, a malware campaign targeted Mac users primarily in China through a fake version of the Little Snitch software. The malware could steal a wide range of information, including passwords, keystrokes, and screenshots. Apple issued a security update to remove the malware.

October 2018

In October 2018, a security vulnerability in FaceTime allowed callers to access the microphones and cameras of those they called without their knowledge or consent.

August 2018

In August 2018, a security researcher discovered that Apple’s Mac App Store was targeted by malware, infecting many apps. Apple removed the infected apps and issued a security update.

March 2018

In March 2018, a bug in Apple’s Group FaceTime feature allowed users to listen in on the audio of other users before they answered a call. Apple quickly released a fix for the issue.

2017: Applebee’s Data Breach

In 2017, the restaurant chain Applebee’s experienced a data breach affecting customers’ credit and debit card information. The breach was caused by malware on the point-of-sale system.

2017: iCloud China Data Breach

In 2017, hackers targeted the iCloud accounts of Chinese users, potentially gaining access to personal information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and iCloud data. Apple stated that the breach resulted from a phishing scam tricking users into providing their login credentials to a fake website.

2016: Apple’s Chinese App Store Hack

In 2016, Apple’s Chinese App Store became a target of cybercriminals who managed to infect its apps with malware, compromising users’ personal information.The stolen information included the device’s unique ID, user’s Apple ID email address, and password. Security researchers at Palo Alto Networks discovered the malware, noting that it was the first recorded instance of such an attack on the iOS App Store. Apple took prompt action by removing the infected apps.

2016: Apple Pay Hack

Apple Pay faced a security challenge in Australia where hackers made unauthorized purchases using stolen credit card information. The attackers managed to add the compromised card details to the Apple Pay wallet on a jailbroken iPhone, which allowed them to carry out the fraud.

February 2016: iCloud Security Breach Exposes Celebrity Data

In February 2016, a security breach on iCloud exposed the personal data of hundreds of celebrities. The breach allowed unauthorized access to private accounts, leading to a widespread impact.

XcodeGhost Malware Struck in September 2015

In September 2015, a hacking group created a corrupt version of Xcode. The infected software dubbed Xcode

Ghost was loaded with malware that harvested device information, like unique device identifiers from unsuspecting users. Many app developers, mainly in China, used the infected version to develop over 4,000 infected apps, which were uploaded to the App Store, compromising over 128 million iPhones. Despite internal discussions, Apple chose not to notify affected users of the severity of the breach. It wasn’t until May 2021, during the Epic Games vs. Apple lawsuit that the full extent of the breach was made public.

iTunes App Store Hacked in 2015

In 2015, cybercriminals accessed the accounts of several developers on the iTunes App Store through a phishing scheme. The hackers sent a fake email, requesting the developer to click on a link and enter their login details. With access to the developer’s account, the hackers uploaded malicious apps to the App Store, allowing them to steal customer data. Apple promptly removed the malicious apps.

KeyRaider Malware Caused Major Data Breach in August 2015

August 2015 saw the emergence of KeyRaider malware, which resulted in a significant data breach on jailbroken iPhones. This malware extracted login information, private keys, certificates, and online purchase records from around 225,000 iPhone users. It allowed the attackers to make unauthorized purchases and access sensitive information using stolen credentials. The scale of the breach makes it one of the largest to target Apple devices to date.

Phishing Attacks Target Apple Customers in March 2015

In March 2015, cybercriminals used phishing tactics to steal passwords from roughly 250,000 Apple customers.

September 2014: iCloud Celebrity Photo Leak

The year 2014 saw a major breach of celebrity iCloud accounts, as hackers obtained their login information and stole hundreds of naked photos. They shared the photos on the online forum 4chan, causing widespread public outrage. Apple enhanced the iCloud login security, including the two-factor authentication, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

July 2013: Apple Developer Center Data Breach

The iOS Developer Center suffered a data breach in July 2013, exposing the information of approximately 275,000 third-party developers using the platform. The attacker exploited a vulnerability, resulting in the names and IDs of the developers becoming visible. In response to the breach, the portal was taken offline, and Apple confirmed an unauthorized person had gained access to the system.

April 2013

Hackers took advantage of a security flaw in Java to access Apple’s internal networks and obtain access to several customer databases containing personal information, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses.

August 2012: Bluetoad Data Breach

In August 2012, the hacker group AntiSec leaked information of 12 million Apple device IDs. They claimed to have obtained this data after taking an FBI agent’s computer in March 2012. However, the device IDs were actually leaked by the app development company Bluetoad rather than the FBI. Although Apple wasn’t directly involved in this data leak, its customers were certainly affected.

April 2011

Confidential information of over 114,000 iPad users, who had subscribed to magazines such as WIRED, GQ, The New Yorker, and others from Apple’s App Store, was accessed by hackers in April 2011. This happened before the password-protection feature was activated later that month.

June 2010: AT&T Breach

In June 2010, two hackers took advantage of a vulnerability in AT&T’s phone network to steal the email addresses of 114,000 iPad users through a brute force attack. This vulnerability was entirely under the control of AT&T, as it occurred through their network, not through Apple’s devices or services.

The Current State of Affairs

Despite the efforts made by the company to secure its products and services, data breaches remain a concern for Apple. The tech giant has put in place various security measures, such as two-factor authentication, encryption, and routine software updates, to name a few.

However, these measures are not foolproof, and the risk of vulnerability still exists. Hackers may exploit weaknesses, which is why users need to be cautious and take steps to protect their personal information.

The Impact on Apple Users

A data breach can have devastating effects on individuals, such as identity theft and financial loss. For Apple users, personal information such as names, addresses, and financial details, as well as login credentials and other sensitive data, can be stolen. This can lead to unauthorized access to accounts, fraudulent activities, and other unfavorable outcomes.

While Apple may offer compensation to those affected by a data breach, such as free credit monitoring or identity theft protection, users need to be proactive in safeguarding their information. Strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being vigilant about suspicious activity on their accounts are all ways to do so.

Conclusion

Despite Apple’s efforts to enhance its security systems with multiple measures aimed at thwarting data breaches, the company has still been plagued by several such incidents over the years. To ensure the safety of their personal information, it is imperative for users to stay informed of these risks and take necessary precautions. At the same time, it’s crucial for Apple to keep investing in its product and service security to prevent any future data breaches from happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Apple Ever Experienced a Data Breach?

Yes, over the years, Apple has suffered several data breaches that impacted the iTunes store, iCloud, and iPhone operating systems.

How to Determine if Your Apple Account Has Been Compromised?

If you encounter any unusual activity on your Apple account, such as unexpected purchases or alterations to your personal details, it may indicate that your account has been hacked.

What to Do if Your Apple Account is Compromised?

If you believe that your Apple account has been hacked, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Change your password and activate two-factor authentication. Regularly monitor your account for any suspicious activity and inform Apple if you come across any unauthorized actions.

What are the Implications of a Data Breach for Apple and its Customers?

A data breach can result in the theft of confidential information, unauthorized access to accounts, and various other adverse outcomes for both Apple and its customers.

How to Ensure the Security of Your Data When Using Apple Products and Services?

To keep your data secure when utilizing Apple products and services, it’s advisable to use strong passwords, activate two-factor authentication, and be cautious of any suspicious activity on your accounts.

Does Apple Disclose the Number of Users Impacted by Data Breaches?

Yes, Apple generally reveals the number of affected users in the event of a data breach and the steps taken by the company to resolve the issue.

About Ojash
Ojash
Ojash has been working as a tech journalist for a few years. During this time he has written hundreds of how-to guides that help people solve problems with their computers and smartphones. If you’re an avid tech reader, you might have also seen some of his work in other popular tech publications like MakeTechEasier, MakeUseOf, HandyRecovery, SlashGear, and Laptop251. He spends most of his time exploring the internet but when not writing, you can find him in his garage working on his electric cars or a new Arduino project.

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