Apple Says Developer Database Was Hacked

By Ian Sherr | The Wall Street Journal

Apple Inc. told software developers that its website for them was hacked and some information may have been stolen.
In response to the attack, which took place Thursday, the company said it is overhauling its developer systems, updating software and rebuilding its database.
In an email sent to the developers, Apple said an intruder attempted to secure personal information from the website. It also said that “sensitive” personal information on the site is encrypted and cannot be accessed and that information associated with its customers wasn’t affected.
“However, we have not been able to rule out the possibility that some developers’’ names, mailing addresses, and/or email addresses may have been accessed,” the company wrote.
Apple said it took the site down Thursday and has been working around the clock since then in response to the attack. “In the spirit of transparency, we want to inform you of the issue,””the email said.
The company didn’t say how many developers might have been affected by the attack. But large numbers of people work on creating software for Apple’s popular iPhones and iPads as well as its Mac computers. The company says there are 275,000 registered developers for its mobile devices.
The developer connection website contains prerelease software, technology for testing new programs and information about how to code applications for the company’s various products. Apple is completing work on new versions of its mobile operating system and Mac software.
The company hadn’t previously explained why the website became inaccessible Thursday. Some online publications reported that developers said their passwords had been reset.