How to Downgrade from iOS 8 Beta to iOS 7 via iTunes

Apple has just rolled out the first beta iteration of iOS 8 for developer testing via iOS Dev Center and a step-by-step guide to downgrade from iOS 8 Beta is already available.

It must me noted that iOS 8 Beta can only be downgraded to the latest version of iOS 7, which is iOS 7.1.1.

Those who have already installed the iOS 8 Beta and want to downgrade or restore their device back to stable versions of iOS 7 can do so using our step-by-step guide.

Note: Users are advised to back up their important data on the device to avoid data loss during the downgrade process.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any device damage during or after the firmware downgrade process. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Steps to Downgrade From iOS 8 Beta to iOS 7.1.1 via iTunes

• Download the latest version of iOS 7 firmware from here. Please remember that this procedure will only allow you to restore your device to the latest firmware that Apple is currently signing, which is the iOS 7.1.1.
• Launch iTunes on your device.
• Put your device into DFU mode as follows:
• Press and hold Home and Sleep/Wake button together.
• Wait for ten seconds and then release the Sleep/Wake button. But, continue holding the Home button until an iTunes message confirms that it has detected iPhone in recovery mode.
• At this point the iPhone screen should go black. Now, press and hold Alt/Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and click Restore iPhone button.
• Choose the firmware file you downloaded earlier in the next screen and then click Open.
• A confirmation prompt window should now appear on screen. After ensuring that you have backed up important data on the device, just click Restore.
• Allow iTunes to complete the downgrade/restore process, which should last approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
• Once the iOS 7 restoration is complete, you will get a confirmation prompt in iTunes with the following message: "Your iPhone has been restored to factory settings, and is restarting. Please leave your iPhone connected. It will appear in the iTunes window after it restarts."
• Just click OK and let the device restart.

Your iOS device is now successfully downgraded from iOS 8 Beta and restored back to iOS 7.1.1.

Hackers take iPhones HOSTAGE and demand ransom money: iCloud accounts are being used to remotely lock devices

Attacks are thought to have originated in Australia and spread worldwide

Hackers, under the name ‘Oleg Pliss’ are accessing users’ iCloud accounts to enable the Find my iPhone feature

Once enabled, they lock the phone remotely and demand ransom money  

This pop-up can be programmed to say a personalised message

The hackers are demanding hundreds of dollars to unlock the device 

Apple assured users its iCloud service has not been breached

Increasing numbers of iPhone and iPad users are being targeted by hackers who are remotely locking their devices and demanding ransom money in return.

Ransomware attacks, in which criminals remotely gain access to a device and hold it hostage, aren’t new, but they have traditionally targeted laptops and PCs.

In this latest mobile attack, the hackers are controlling gadgets by breaking into customers' iCloud accounts and remotely locking the devices using the Find My iPhone feature.

The attacks began last week in Australia, but customers from across the globe have reported the hack on official Apple support forums and tech sites.

Based on these reports, criminals are hacking into iCloud accounts from a browser, before locating connected devices using the Find My iPhone feature.

In some instances, customers have multiple Apple products including iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macs attached to the same account.

The hackers, operating under the name 'Oleg Pliss', are then enabling Lock Mode to shut the devices down remotely.

This feature lets people send messages to thieves, for example, letting them know that the phone has been locked.

In this instance, hackers are personalising these messages to demand $100 in ransom money to release the devices. 

The hack only works on handsets that have the Find My iPhone feature switched on, and this is accessible in Settings. 

Apple told the MailOnline: ‘Apple takes security very seriously and iCloud was not compromised during this incident.

‘Impacted users should change their Apple ID password as soon as possible and avoid using the same user name and password for multiple services. 

'Any users who need additional help can contact AppleCare or visit their local Apple Retail Store.’

To change an Apple ID, go to appleid.apple.com and follow the steps to reset the password. 

Users that have a passcode on their iOS devices can remove Lost Mode in Settings, using this PIN. 

Although the attacks began last week, they show no signs of stopping.

They appear to be scam in which hackers are stealing details from other websites and using the same login details to access as many accounts as possible - including iCloud.

It highlights, again, the need to have different login details for different accounts.