itsvioleta

Q: I think my iCloud may be hacked?

This really is an emergency. I got a new iPhone 6S today and while setting up, I signed in and got to the Backup from iCloud stage and when I chose a backup date to backup from my previous iPhone 5, the Apple ID that showed up is someone else's. I am extremely concerned. Does this mean that the owner of this email now has all my information and files??? If there is any connection, a few days ago prior to this, my dad took my iPhone 5 for repair and the repairman asked for my passcode so I gave it to him and he had access. The backup dates correspond with the date I had my phone repaired. I'm severely worried and don't know what to believe anymore. How could this happen? Sorry if this sounds stupid, this has never been an issue before, I don't know why this new email address is showing up on my phone. Please help, I'm lost and really worried that someone may have stolen all my files and I cannot backup anything to my new phone now. What should I do?

iPhone 5, iOS 9.0.2

Posted on Dec 17, 2015 4:03 PM

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Q: I think my iCloud may be hacked?

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  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Dec 17, 2015 4:10 PM in response to itsvioleta
    Level 5 (4,050 points)
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    Dec 17, 2015 4:10 PM in response to itsvioleta

    It's a possibility that your account may be compromised.  See this -- If you think your Apple ID has been compromised - Apple Support

  • by itsvioleta,

    itsvioleta itsvioleta Dec 17, 2015 4:23 PM in response to zinacef
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Apple Music
    Dec 17, 2015 4:23 PM in response to zinacef

    Thank you for answering and for the useful link. I want to clarify, however, whether or not the person whose email comes up when I choose a backup has access to the files on my iPhone? Can they view them, use them, all the apps, photos, music etc? From what I read, if I change the password to my ID and then backup, can I then safely use this backup to put it on my new iPhone?

  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Dec 17, 2015 4:26 PM in response to itsvioleta
    Level 5 (4,050 points)
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    Dec 17, 2015 4:26 PM in response to itsvioleta

    itsvioleta wrote:

     

    Thank you for answering and for the useful link. I want to clarify, however, whether or not the person whose email comes up when I choose a backup has access to the files on my iPhone? Can they view them, use them, all the apps, photos, music etc? From what I read, if I change the password to my ID and then backup, can I then safely use this backup to put it on my new iPhone?

    Well, my thinking is this, the individual has your Apple ID (as you mentioned before) so he basically has the keys to everything, the kingdom.  I would suggest changing it immediately and I believe you'll be able to use the backup you had before.  That backup wasn't created by that individual but by you.

  • by itsvioleta,

    itsvioleta itsvioleta Dec 18, 2015 5:21 AM in response to zinacef
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Apple Music
    Dec 18, 2015 5:21 AM in response to zinacef

    What if I forgot my security questions? They are required to change my Apple ID password but I think I answered them years ago and now they're not the same. Ahhh this is horrible. Not only a terrible invasion of privacy but also a huge hassle for me. I might have to visit the Apple store.

  • by Winston Churchill,

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Dec 18, 2015 5:42 AM in response to itsvioleta
    Level 10 (103,805 points)
    Apple TV
    Dec 18, 2015 5:42 AM in response to itsvioleta

    If you have any concerns at all, just change your password.

     

    If you are unable to remember your password, security questions, don’t have access to your rescue address or are unable to reset your password for whatever reason, your only option is to contact Apple ID Support, upon speaking to an operator you should explain that your problem is related to your Apple ID, this way you will not be charged for assistance, even if you don’t have an AppleCare plan.


    You will need to show patience with the procedure and be prepared to demonstrate without question that the account belongs to you. Don’t expect access to be restored immediately and if you aren’t the owner of the Apple ID registered to the device the account won’t be reset.

  • by itsvioleta,

    itsvioleta itsvioleta Dec 18, 2015 10:25 AM in response to Winston Churchill
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Apple Music
    Dec 18, 2015 10:25 AM in response to Winston Churchill

    Thank you for replying. I went to the Apple Store and managed to change my password. I found out there were *a few* email accounts and skipped every single one who were associated with those backups. Once I change my password and create a new backup, can I safely use my phone? I want to make sure that no one else other than myself has access to my iPhone.

  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Dec 18, 2015 10:34 AM in response to itsvioleta
    Level 5 (4,050 points)
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    Dec 18, 2015 10:34 AM in response to itsvioleta

    itsvioleta wrote:

     

    Once I change my password and create a new backup, can I safely use my phone? I want to make sure that no one else other than myself has access to my iPhone.

    Yes, providing you created a strong password but at this time I'll encourage you to consider using two-step verification for your account which adds an extra layer of security to your account.

     

    Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID - Apple Support

  • by Winston Churchill,

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Dec 18, 2015 10:33 AM in response to itsvioleta
    Level 10 (103,805 points)
    Apple TV
    Dec 18, 2015 10:33 AM in response to itsvioleta

    Yes you should be fine.

  • by itsvioleta,

    itsvioleta itsvioleta Dec 18, 2015 12:01 PM in response to zinacef
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Apple Music
    Dec 18, 2015 12:01 PM in response to zinacef

    Yeah but that's where I have another problem: since I don't remember any of my security questions, I can't do that. I even tried answering them a few times which then resulted in my ID getting locked for 8 hours. No idea what they are, whoever hacked them might have changed them. I mean if they're able to somehow find out my password, then I don't know what else they're capable of.

  • by itsvioleta,

    itsvioleta itsvioleta Dec 18, 2015 12:11 PM in response to Winston Churchill
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Apple Music
    Dec 18, 2015 12:11 PM in response to Winston Churchill

    I just hope whoever did this didn't do anything shady with any of my files. Nothing I can do about that I suppose. By the way, some of the emails didn't even make sense, like for example [some name] @ [some number] .com . That's not even a valid email address, I've no idea how these email addresses ended up on my iCloud. I found this other page on Apple Discussions that seemed to have my issue and I'm currently reading it Unknown email appears on iCloud restore (ios 7, iPhone 5)

  • by zinacef,

    zinacef zinacef Dec 18, 2015 2:28 PM in response to itsvioleta
    Level 5 (4,050 points)
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    Dec 18, 2015 2:28 PM in response to itsvioleta

    itsvioleta wrote:

     

    Yeah but that's where I have another problem: since I don't remember any of my security questions, I can't do that. I even tried answering them a few times which then resulted in my ID getting locked for 8 hours. No idea what they are, whoever hacked them might have changed them. I mean if they're able to somehow find out my password, then I don't know what else they're capable of.

    You can call Apple Support and work with them over the phone to have them change your security questions, and once done, you can then implement Two-Step Verification.  No need to go in-store for that.  I think it's really important to implement Two-Step Verification to make your account that much safe.