New iOS YiSpecter Malware Discovered In China

It wasn’t too long ago that malware for iOS was discovered in China in the form of the XcodeGhost. Turns out that malware for iOS in China might still be running rampant, except that this time a new one has been discovered. Dubbed YiSpecter, this is a malware that appears to target iOS devices in both China and Taiwan.

Now for the most part, malware on iOS devices aren’t as commonplace compared to other platforms. Also malware seems to target those running on jailbroken devices more than those who did not jailbreak their phones, namely because jailbroken devices sometimes download apps not from Apple’s iTunes App Store, meaning that the screening process might not be as secure.

However if the reports of YiSpecter are to be believed, this particular malware is apparently nasty enough where it can target both jailbroken and non-jailbroken iOS devices. If infected, it is capable of downloading apps by itself as well as replacing existing ones. It is also said to be capable of hijacking Safari and changing its settings, displaying full ads when launching apps, and more.

According to Palo Alto Networks, this YiSpecter malware has been around for more than 10 months now. Apple is said to be aware of it and have reportedly stated that they are investigating it.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones
Tags: iOS, Malware