Apple presented its new products at its spring keynote, including an iMac, an iPad Pro and the AirTag for finding objects. However, the conference was overshadowed by a ransomware cyberattack, where hackers threatened to release confidential MacBook information unless a ransom was paid.
Apple presented its spring keynote on April 20, where several new products were unveiled, including an iMac, an iPad and the AirTag, a geolocatable beacon for finding objects. However, in parallel with this event, the company was threatened by hackers operating a ransomware, REvil, which jeopardized the security of confidential files relating to the design of the next MacBook.
During the keynote, REvil published a post on the darkweb claiming to have infiltrated the network of Quanta Computer, a key Apple supplier, notably responsible for the manufacture of MacBooks. The hackers demanded a ransom of $50 million, threatening to progressively release sensitive files if Apple did not pay by May 1. The attack added further pressure on Apple, which saw schematics of its future MacBook leaked online.
Despite this threat, Apple presented several new products:
iMac: This model is equipped with Apple's M1 chip and is available in a range of bright colors. It features a 24” Retina 4.5K display.
iPad Pro: The new iPad Pro also features the M1 chip and a 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, with 5G compatibility.
AirTag: This device can be used to find lost objects such as keys or handbags. Unlike other GPS-based solutions, AirTag uses Apple's Localiser network, made up of almost a billion anonymized devices, to locate the lost object via Bluetooth. The position is communicated anonymously, respecting users' privacy.
All in all, while unveiling its new products, Apple had to deal with a major cyberattack that tarnished this keynote.
Source : ICTjournal
