New malware targets jailbroken iPhones, iPads - report

Owners of jailbroken iPhones and iPads may have to lock down their mobile devices to avoid falling victim to a malware seeking to steal their online credentials.

Dubbed "Unflod Baby Panda," the malware was discovered by the Reddit Jailbreak community on some jailbroken iOS devices last Thursday, The Hacker News reported Saturday.

While initial findings show the malware can affect 32-bit jailbroken iOS devices, 64-bit devices including the iPhone 5S, iPad Air and iPad Mini Retina might not be affected, it added.

The Hacker News said one of the users in the Reddit community noticed unusual activity where the file caused some apps like Snapchat and Google Hangouts to crash on his jailbroken iPhone.

It was later learned the infection, believed to be spreading via Chinese iOS software sites, captures Apple IDs and passwords from Internet sessions that use Secure Socket Layer (SSL).

The report said the researchers currently believe the only way to remove the threat is a full restore, "which means the removal and loss of the jailbreak." — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News