What CIOs should say about the celebrity iCloud security leak

IT leaders are probably getting used to addressing security concerns about cloud computing by now, but they may be less prepared to discuss how naked images of Kate Upton and Rihanna wound up online.

Following news that several celebrities using Apple’s iCloud service found their personal data compromised a few days ago, there have been major questions raised, not only about the hacking techniques involved but whether any hosted data can ever be considered safe.

I spent much of the day Monday making stops at CTV News and CBC News, where I tried to explain a few basic points. They’re nothing CIOs don’t already know, but hopefully they could be something quick and easy to point users toward if they want to know more about cloud security.

As for the ultimate question — can we ever rely on the cloud after Jennifer Lawrence’s embarrassment? — I dealt with that in this clip that played on the radio. Tell users to trust me on this one.

 

For more of my comments on iCloud and Apple, see this story on CBC.

Apple said Tuesday after more than 40 hours of investigation, “we have discovered that certain celebrity accounts were compromised by a very targeted attack on user names, passwords and security questions, a practice that has become all too common on the Internet. None of the cases we have investigated has resulted from any breach in any of Apple’s systems including iCloud or Find my iPhone. We are continuing to work with law enforcement to help identify the criminals involved.

It urged iCloud subscribers to use a strong password and enable two-factor verification — where the system sends users a random number to a smart phone in addition to asking for a password — for logins.

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Shane Schick
Shane Schickhttp://shaneschick.com
Your guide to the ongoing story of how technology is changing the world

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now