To identify a phishing attempt involving Apple services, look for signs such as requests for personal information, suspicious links, and a sense of urgency. Apple will never ask you to log into any website or provide your password, device passcode, or two-factor authentication code. Be cautious of unexpected messages, calls, or requests for personal information and always verify the source before sharing any details.
The goal of the SMS phishing campaign targeting Apple IDs is to deceive users into revealing their Apple ID credentials, granting hackers access to personal and financial information, as well as control over their devices2. These attacks use deceptive SMS messages to direct users to malicious websites that mimic legitimate iCloud login pages.
Cybercriminals make phishing sites appear legitimate by using tactics such as URL spoofing, link manipulation, link shortening, and homograph spoofing. They also create fake websites that mimic the design and branding of legitimate sites, use convincing domain names, and even include security features like a CAPTCHA. These techniques trick users into believing they are on a legitimate site and prompt them to enter their sensitive information.