iPad e-mail hijack delivers another hard hit to AT&T.
The FBI announced on Thursday that it has launched an investigation into “the potential cyber threat” from Goatse Security, the group that claims responsibility for hacking into more than 100,000 AT&T wireless accounts. Although the hack caused no damage, it threatens the security of iPad users who signed-up for AT&T 3G wireless when they bought their netbooks, because the attack exposed their e-mail addresses. Several government officials numbered among the victims, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Dismissing the attack, Bloomberg said, “To me, it wasn’t that big of a deal.”
The real threat
As a result of Goatse’s intrusion, e-mail addresses for approximately 114,000 iPad users have become vulnerable to spamming and “spear phishing,” a technique for targeting specific users whose data may have extra value. Using authentic-looking e-mails tailored to look as though they have originated from AT&T or Apple, hijackers now may deliver e-mails with the capacity to introduce spyware or malware into unsuspecting clients’ iPads.
AT&T suffers another black eye.
For AT&T, however, the security breach represents another in a series of hard hits that have undermined users’ trust and loyalty, and which seriously jeopardizes the wireless carrier’s privileged relationship with Apple Computers. Officials at Apple had no comment on the incident except, but they reassured iPad users that their machines were in no jeopardy, referring all other questions and concerns to AT&T. Both Apple representatives and AT&T emphasized that that the breach was absolutely no indication of a flaw in iPad’s built-in security systems.
The attack follows hot on the heels of AT&T’s announcement that it intends to restructure its pricing plans, eliminating unlimited data accounts. The change of pricing policy has prompted many loyal iPhone users to reconsider their choice. As Apple debuted its iPhone 4 earlier this week, pundits commented that the biggest news about the slimmer and sleeker model is that it will be available via Verizon, a development many disgruntled AT&T users regard as a major breakthrough.
