Apple warns iPhone users in 110 countries of mercenary spyware targeting
Apple says it sent high-confidence spyware warnings to iPhone users in 110 countries, after detecting what it describes as targeted mercenary spyware attacks. The company has not identified the attackers or spyware, and says an alert indicates targeting, not proof that a device was compromised.
Bottom line — Apple has issued notifications in more than 150 countries since it began the alerts in 2021.
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Apple says these attacks target specific people, including journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats.
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The Hacker News reports Apple said it has notified customers in more than 150 countries since starting the system in 2021.
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Apple withholds details about the signals behind its alerts, saying disclosure could help attackers evade detection.
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Apple recommends Lockdown Mode and directs notified users to Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline.
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A genuine warning can appear on an iPhone’s Lock Screen and in Settings, by email, or on the Apple Account page, according to Apple.
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Techlicious advises checking an alert by signing in directly at account.apple.com; genuine alerts do not ask users to click links or disclose passwords.