Apple has fixed a web browser bug used to trick users into pay a fine with the release of iOs 10.3.
According to Arstechnica, scammers have been using a flaw present in iOS 10.2 in Apple's Mobile Safari browser that involved displaying JavaScript pop-up windows in a sort of endless cycle in a ransom campaign. It effectively locks users out of the browser.
The scammers targeted uninformed users viewing porn or other controversial content such as bootlegged music and other illegal downloads.
The scammers reportedly posed as a law enforcement site asking them to pay a fine in the form of an iTune gift card code for the "illegal" action to regain use of their browser. The code is delivered to a phone number via text.
Apple Insider added that some of the pop-up windows incorporate threatening messages and use domains like "pay-police.com."
Recovering from the seemingly endless pop-up loop, however, is as simple as clearing the browser cache from the device's settings.
While some may be uninformed about the simple fix, Apple Insider noted that other victims were probably unwilling to seek help due to the content of pages where the attack code was embedded.
With iOS 10.3, 9to5Mac explained that here should never be a way where users get trapped in the endless cycle of JavaScript popups as the Safari bug has been fixed.
The attacks were first discovered when a user reported losing control of Safari after visiting pay-police.com. A screenshot of the message saying his device was locked "for illegal pornography" was shown and below those words was a pop-up Window that indicated "Cannot Open Page." A new window would then open if the person clicked on the accompanying OK button.
iOs 10.3 was released on Monday, March 27 with lots of new features.