DHAKA: The US government warned iPhone and iPad users to be on the alert for hackers who may exploit a vulnerability in Apple Inc’s iOS operating system that would enable them to steal sensitive data.

There was the potential for hacks using a newly identified technique known as the ‘Masque Attack’, the government said in an online bulletin from the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Centre and the US Computer Emergency Readiness Teams.

The network security company FireEye disclosed the vulnerability behind the ‘Masque Attack’ earlier this week, saying it had been exploited to launch a campaign dubbed ‘WireLurker’ and that more attacks could follow.

Hackers could potentially steal login credentials, access sensitive data stored on iOS devices and remotely monitor activity on those devices, the government said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 0634 HRS, NOV 14, 2014