Hackers programmed a virus that attacks the iPhone from Apple Inc., secretly taking control of devices via internet connections, security experts reported.
"Virus attacks for the first time the iPhone
The virus was detected in the Netherlands and can attack only owned iPhones to disable some security features pre-installed, according to analysts who watch the progress of the virus, known as Worm Duh.
Hackers try to use the virus to obtain passwords for banking sites in the Netherlands, said Graham Cluley, a researcher at antivirus software maker Sophos.
When an iPhone user tries to access a banking site, Duh Worm directs the browser to a similar site controlled by hackers, Cluley said.
The phones are vulnerable phones "unlocked" in which users disable key security features of Apple to avoid meeting the terms of use agreement.
For example, Apple prevents users to change service providers and carriers limited to unauthorized users to nearly 100,000 programs the company has researched to install on the device.
There are thousands of unauthorized programs covering areas from phone calls over the Internet, access to WiFi networks and pornography.
"The vast majority of customers unlock their iPhones, and for good reason. These hacks not only violate the warranty, the iPhone will also become unstable and does not work reliably," said Natalie Harrison, a spokeswoman for Apple.
Three independent security experts said it is better for iPhone users to unlock their devices not because the security risks outweigh the benefits.
"They are leaving open the back door. Everyone else know what the key to open that door," said Cluley.
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