Iphone and/or Mac Hacked?

Question

Iphone and/or Mac Hacked?

A few weeks ago on both my iPhone and MacBook Pro I started getting messages on Google that there was excessive traffic coming from my IP address. Initially I kept getting asked to complete Catcha requests every time I tried to use Google and now I can't access it at all on either device without turning my VPN off and then back on. After a while I will again lose access to Google. I didn't have a VPN when these issues first started, I've since added the VPN but I'm still getting blocked by Google.

My wife uses my MacBook albeit she has her own profile. She's experiencing the same issues with Google. Whereas on her iPhone she has no issues accessing Google which suggests the issues lie with my devices.

On a football forum that I've used daily for 10 plus years I started getting a message saying 'Your IP address has been banned'. After adding a VPN I contacted the forum administrators and they couldn't find any issues with my IP address and they've only blocked one IP address this year, it was coming from Bangladesh, not the UK (where I live).

The strange thing is, I can access all other websites and search engines without having any issues.

Then last night (27 January 2023) I went to purchase some items on boots.com, a company I've used for 20 plus years. When I went to use my keychain login something concerning popped up. It displayed two options:

1) my email address - fine

2) a second keychain login username of 03AHaCKAaFJ...GuydFI5cHX-cMqGf

The second one speaks for itself - 'Hacka'. I've since deleted the username from my Keychain and changed my Boots password.

I've also got AVG security on both my iPhone and MacBook and a scan reveals no issues. I've since added Norton security to my iPhone and again it's not found any issues.

I also logged into the router and everything appears normal.

Does anyone have any ideas what may have occurred/is causing the problem and whether it's device related or possibly Keychain has been hacked?

Thanks

Andy

iPhone 11, iOS 16

Posted on Jan 28, 2023 4:27 AM

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Answer 1

RK9ify

Level 1

24 points

Jan 28, 2023 4:41 AM in response to AndyPandy_R81

Have you received any emails from Apple saying someone has logged into your Apple account from another location/device? I'd recommend checking for that to confirm if someone does have access to your account.

I'd also change my Apple account password immediately.

Here's further support if you think your account has been hacked.

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Answer 2

Feb 2, 2023 8:36 AM in response to AndyPandy_R81

The internet is a Wild West of uncontrolled criminal activity.

Very often, indications that your Mac has detected something or your IP address is acting up or things of that ilk are provided through scripts placed (by criminals) inside third-party ads on web sites.

If your IP address were generating excessive traffic, your ISP would shut down your Internet connection in a heartbeat and wait for you to call them on the phone.

if your Mac had ACTUALLY detected malware, it would also be removed. There is no legitimate reason to "freeze" your computer, such as "to Protect You". Just freeze the malware -- except, it is imaginary.

Other similar stuff that happens is likely provided by criminals, intent on getting access to your computer and/or your credit or debit card.

The ONLY site that can help you verify your credentials (which you should NEVER have to do) is the exact same site that uses them to log you on -- no others have that information.

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