Apple: hackers demand ransom for not revealing secret documents

While the brand paraded during its traditional keynote with the presentation of a new iMac, Airtags and a new iPad Pro, hackers have managed to infiltrate the servers of an Apple supplier to steal valuable documents. They threaten to disclose them on Internet.

It is neither more nor less than diagrams of the next MacBook and MacBook Pro, the famous computers brand and, of course, it’s full of secrets, especially as Apple likes to create a stir with its often innovative design and new functions. In this case, the REvil group, which claims this cyber attack, explains that he managed to hack the servers of Quanta Computer, a Taiwan-based company, and that he had succeeded in recovering fifteen never-before-seen images and diagrams of MacBook which include serial numbers, dimensions, components specific to the various configurations. According to their statement, they also have files related to the Apple Watch, and even a Lenovo device, in total, they mention the theft of ” several GB of personal data “. They are the ones who already attacked Acer a month ago, and they claimed $ 50 million.

An ultimatum set at 1^is May

While How Much Computer also works for HP, Facebook and other computer giants, the hackers only targeted Apple. On its blog, the group demands a ransom first from the Taiwanese company, and it is once over $ 50 million. This is the sum required to restore access to the encrypted files of the server, and it is the classic work of a ” ransomware “: Make the files unusable. A ransom which obviously also targets Apple since the ultimatum fixed at 1^is may the payment of this sum. As long as the brand, or its supplier, does not comply, hackers will publish a stolen document every day.

On Wednesday, there was therefore a first leak of documents and our colleagues from 9To5mac were able to analyze them. The diagrams show the motherboard of a new generation MacBook Pro. On the right side of the computer there is a port HDMI visible, accompanied by a USB-C / Thunderbolt port and followed by an SD card reader. The left side features two additional USB-C / Thunderbolt ports and a “MagSafe” charging slot, for a total of three USB-C / Thunderbolt ports instead of the current four. The novelty is the great return of the “Mag Safe” magnetic connector.

Abandonment of the touch bar

This configuration would concern a 16-inch MacBook Pro, and it would also be offered in a 14-inch version. Other information present in these stolen documents: the chassis would have more rounded corners and the touch bar near the screen would disappear. Other documents relate to the Mac Mini, and they date from March 2021, and if we are to believe the texts, all these computers are in the testing phase before validation. Which means that their commercialization is near, and they are indeed authentic documents. For the moment, Apple has not reacted, while its supplier, hacked, assures that the loophole is filled, and that the pirates did not do any further damage.