iPhone Users in 92 Countries Targeted by Mercenary Spyware Attacks, Says Latest Apple Warning

iPhone users across 92 countries have received an alarming notification from Apple, warning them of potential mercenary spyware attacks, as first spotted by TechCrunch.

The tech giant issued the alert to individuals worldwide, raising concerns about targeted surveillance efforts. The notification was sent out at 12 pm Pacific Time on Wednesday.

Apple Warns Against Mercenary Spyware Attacks

The message delivered by Apple stated, "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID."

The company emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the attack likely targets individuals based on their identities or activities.

This is not the first time Apple has issued such warnings. Since 2021, users in over 150 countries have received similar notifications, indicating a persistent and widespread threat landscape.

Notably, last October, journalists and opposition leaders in India were among those alerted to potential spyware attacks, highlighting the global reach of these surveillance efforts. However, the Cupertino giant has not directly attributed these alerts to any specific state-sponsored attacker.

The spyware alerts coincide with growing concerns about state-sponsored cyber activities, particularly as many countries brace for elections. Apple refrained from commenting on the timing of the alerts.

Employees applaud as the first customers enter the store to buy the Apple iPhone 15 series at The Grove Apple retail store on release day in Los Angeles, California, on September 22, 2023.

Apple Warns Users of Sophisticated Cyber Attacks

The sophistication of these attacks cannot be understated. As per Apple's statement, "Mercenary spyware attacks, such as those using Pegasus from the NSO Group, are exceptionally rare and vastly more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity or consumer malware."

NSO, an Israeli firm known for its Pegasus spyware, specializes in remotely hacking iPhones. In March, a US court ruled in Meta's favor, ordering NSO to surrender its Pegasus code.

Pegasus is a spyware virus that infects a mobile device and gains control over it, including the ability to read messages from various apps, make calls, and steal sensitive data. These attacks, often associated with state actors or private companies, require significant resources and are tailored to specific individuals.

Apple relies on internal threat intelligence and investigations to detect such attacks. While the company maintains high confidence in its warnings, it refrains from divulging specific details about the attacks to prevent adversaries from evading detection in the future.

Instead, recipients of these notifications are advised to seek expert assistance and follow cybersecurity best practices.

In response to the recent wave of alerts, users are urged to update their devices, enable two-factor authentication, and exercise caution when clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources.

Additionally, those who believe they may be targeted by mercenary spyware attacks can take proactive measures, such as enabling Lockdown Mode on their Apple devices for added protection.

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