US-based tech giant Apple generally recommends the iPhones it launches. for safety It touches. In fact, it’s not very unfair. Because the iOS ecosystem is closed, developing and spreading malware is not possible. It is not easy. However, the latest news shows that this situation is starting to lose its validity. Because hackers have a problem that affects both iOS devices and Android phones. Trojan horse virus they developed.

The virus, discovered by Group-IB, which deals with cybersecurity, was first discovered in October 2023. Researchers, “Gold PickaxeThey determined that the trojan named “” was specifically used to drain bank accounts. The virus called “GoldDigger”, which affected the Android ecosystem in the past, an advanced version GoldPickaxe poses a serious risk to users.

They can infiltrate FaceID data

GoldPickaxe is a very dangerous virus. Because the devices have been infiltrated by this virus even facial scan data can be confiscated. In addition to biometric data, hackers also have access to user identification data and text messages. That is especially the case banking apps in danger. According to cybersecurity experts, GoldPickaxe is the first banking virus to target the iOS ecosystem.

It was sent via the TestFlight system

Apple’s system that hosts beta versions of applications in the App Store Test flight, which led to GoldPickaxe infecting iPhones. Hackers installed this virus in an application and spread it to iOS devices. Apple quickly detected the incident and removed the malicious application from TestFlight. cancelled. However, this time, hackers infiltrated iPhones through the MDM set preferred by companies.

A more advanced version has also been developed, called GoldDiggerPlus

Cybersecurity researchers say hackers nonstop They announced that they were working on this virus. According to the research, another virus called GoldDiggerPlus was developed as a more advanced version of GoldPickaxe. In addition to all the features of GoldPickaxe, this virus offers the target person the opportunity to do just that can be searched in real time He also allowed it.

According to the reviews, GoldPickaxe is currently in Vietnam and Thailand It affected some iPhone owners. At least this is the case as far as we know. However, cybersecurity experts say hackers are targeting this virus. they are concerned. Researchers are talking about the possibility that the virus has spread to countries such as the US and England. But so far, no such report has been made.

How will iPhone owners protect themselves?

Let’s say this first; Apple in question aware of the existence of the Trojan horse and continues to work towards correction. However, there are some ways you can protect yourself during this process. For example, quit the TestFlight program for a while and close the applications stable versions continue using. On the other hand; If your company phone is an iPhone and the profile is set up, you can contact your employer until the risk is eliminated. individual profile you can use

There is a lot you can do to secure an iPhone. Nowadays you avoid installing applications that you know nothing about. you can avoid. Also as always stay away from phishing attackscan help protect you from GoldPickaxe.