Summary
Worm:iPhoneOS/Ikee is the first worm to target the Apple iPhone. Its most notable action involves changing the background wallpaper on the device.
Removal
Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.
A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:
Check for the latest database updates
First, check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.
Submit a sample
After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.
Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.
Exclude a file from further scanning
If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.
Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.
Technical Details
The details below are for the A variant of the Ikee worm. It was first reported by iPhone users in Australia and appears to have been written a hacker named 'ikex'.
Though this variant is non-malicious, it is still considered of interest as it is possible for another hacker to use code from this variant and adapt it to carry a more sinister payload - as subsequently happened with the Worm:iPhoneOs/Ikee.B outbreak.
In addition, accessing a user's computing device and changing their data without permission is illegal in many countries.
Infection
Ikee is only able to infect an iPhone if:
- The device is 'jailbroken' - hacked by the user in order to install software that hasn't been approved by Apple
- AND an unapproved Secured Shell (SSH) application, which allows remote access to the device, has been installed
- AND the default SSH password for the 'root' user has not been changed from the factory default ('alpine')
Users who have not jailbroken their iPhones, do have have an SSH application installed, or have changed the default SSH password are not affected.
Execution
While active, the worm changes the background wallpaper displayed when the iPhone is locked to an image of 1980's pop star Rick Astley. It also displays the message: "ikee is never going to give you up".
The act of covertly using Astley's image in this manner is a known Internet meme, and a user who has been unintentionally subjected to it is said to have been 'Rickrolled'.
Propagation
Once in place, the worm appears to attempt to find other iPhones on the mobile phone network that are similarly vulnerable. If found, the worm installs itself on the new device.
Protect your devices from malware with F‑Secure Total
Protecting your devices from malicious software is essential for maintaining online security. F‑Secure Total makes this easy, helping you to secure your devices in a brilliantly simple way.
Award‑winning antivirus and malware protection
Online browsing, banking, and shopping protection
24/7 online identity and data breach monitoring
Unlimited VPN service to safeguard your privacy
Password manager with private data protection
Choose how many devices you want to protect to get started.
Free customer support
Cancel anytime
The trial does not obligate you to buy the product
After 30 days your subscription will renew automatically for one year at €69.99.
)
)
More Support
Community
Ask questions in our Community.
User guides
Check the user guide for instructions.
Contact Support
Chat with with or call an agent.
Submit a Sample
Submit a file or URL for analysis.