This article has been created in order to help you by explaining to you how to remove the Your Apple Account Has Been Limited scam which can be encountered via email messages.
The Your Apple Account Has Been Limited Scam is a recent example of an advanced phishing attack wave. It targets victims worldwide and can evade protective measures. The security analysis reveals that it has many features that set it apart from other similar attacks. It is particularly dangerous and can lead to sensitive information theft. Continue reading our removal guide for more information about it.
Threat Summary
| Name | Your Apple Account Has Been Limited |
| Type | Scam / Malware |
| Short Description | Aims to trick victims to be redirected to a third-party site that hijacks sensitive personal data. |
| Symptoms | Email messages that claim that the target’s account have been compromised. |
| Distribution Method | Via e-mail messages that imitate legitimate security-related Apple message . |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Your Apple Account Has Been Limited. |
Your Apple Account Has Been Limited Scam – How Does It Spread
The most common way to deliver this particular scam is through the use of phishing emails according to Trend Micro reports. The hackers behind it have taken the legitimate graphics and texts from Apple notifications and have incorporated them in the fake ones. The concept behind them is to lure the victims into thinking that their accounts have been limited due to unusual activity. They are asked by the scam operators to update their payment details. If the victims click on the link they will be directed to a phishing site that collects their payment data which is then hijacked for criminal use.
There are several pointers that can indicate the dangers to potential victims. The first one is related to an error made by the hackers, the messages were sent to users that were not Apple customers. As such the scam can be easily identified as no user would interact with such an email if they don’t have a connection to the company’s services. The second sign of danger is the fact that the inserted hyperlinks lead to a site that does not have an Apple domain name.
The security experts note that the following countries are the primary targets at the moment:
- United States
- Venezuela
- Germany
- Canada
- Italy
- Mexico
- Switzerland
- France
- India
Your Apple Account Has Been Limited Scam – More Information
The security investigation into email sender reveals that it’s a very well known malicious actor. As soon as the reports were published in the security community the senders were blacklisted. Upon careful examination we have discovered that the “Update Your Payment Details” link leads to a token generator. Each individual victim is assigned an unique token that is valid for at least 48 hours. It’s main purposes seem to be to track users and is not affected by different browsers, devices and user agents. The link leads to a fake Apple site that is designed to look just like the real company by employing the same background image and graphics placement.
During the security analysis Apple ID credentials were presented to the site. When the account credentials were presented a notification prompt appears that states “Your account has been locked”. A malicious link “Unlock Account Now” appears which leads to a site that collects user data.
The experts state that the resulting site appears much more sophisticated than other related incidents. It includes an input validation fields that are actually working and check if the entered payment card credentials are legitimate by employing checksum functions. The code also checks for typing mistakes and can verify the text and number fields for string length and the presence of special characters.
Another difference from classic phishing attacks is the fact that usually short-term scams are hosted on free services. Their default configuration settings and host specifications allows the security experts to access the compromised data. In this particular case the hackers behind the “Your Apple Account Has Been Limited” scam have secured the web directory permissions in the proper way thus preventing further analysis. After all fields are entered and submitted the phishing site will logout the users and redirect them to the legitimate Apple website.
The dangerous site is encrypted using the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) cipher which adds a sign of false confidence. This means that the private data is transmitted in a secure manner and cannot be hijacked by an intermediate host. The custom code also allows the scam to evade some common signatures used by protective software.
Remove Your ” Apple Account Has Been Limited Scam” from Your Computer
In order to make sure that the “Critical Security Alert” scam is fully gone from your computer, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They have been divided in manual and automatic removal manuals so that they can help you delete this threat based on your malware removal experience. If manual removal is not exactly something that you feel confident in doing, recommendations are to remove this malware or check if it has your infected your computer automatically by downloading and scanning your computer via an advanced anti-malware program. Such software will effectively make sure that your PC is fully secured and you passwords and data remain safe in the future.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove Your Apple Account Has Been Limited from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Your Apple Account Has Been Limited with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Your Apple Account Has Been Limited and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Your Apple Account Has Been Limited on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Your Apple Account Has Been Limited there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Your Apple Account Has Been Limited (Windows).
Get rid of Your Apple Account Has Been Limited from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Your Apple Account Has Been Limited and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Your Apple Account Has Been Limited. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Your Apple Account Has Been Limited via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Your Apple Account Has Been Limited files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Your Apple Account Has Been Limited, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Your Apple Account Has Been Limited (Mac)
Remove Your Apple Account Has Been Limited from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Your Apple Account Has Been Limited from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Your Apple Account Has Been Limited from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Your Apple Account Has Been Limited from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Your Apple Account Has Been Limited will be removed.
Eliminate Your Apple Account Has Been Limited from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Your Apple Account Has Been Limited-FAQ
What Is Your Apple Account Has Been Limited?
The Your Apple Account Has Been Limited threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Your Apple Account Has Been Limited?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Your Apple Account Has Been Limited?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Your Apple Account Has Been Limited Work?
Once installed, Your Apple Account Has Been Limited can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Your Apple Account Has Been Limited can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Your Apple Account Has Been Limited Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Your Apple Account Has Been Limited Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Your Apple Account Has Been Limited how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Your Apple Account Has Been Limited?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Your Apple Account Has Been Limited threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.