Apple Warns of Users in 98 Countries of Targeted Spyware Attacks

Apple has alerted iPhone users in 98 countries about potential mercenary spyware attacks. This marks the tech giant’s second such alert campaign this year, following a similar notification sent to users in 92 nations in April.

Since 2021, Apple has been proactively issuing these notifications, reaching users in over 150 countries, according to a support document on the company’s website.

A Global Threat Landscape

According to TechCrunch, the latest warning did not disclose the attackers’ identities or specify the countries where users received the notifications.

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 -xxx-,” the company wrote in the warning to affected customers.

“This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it’s never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning — please take it seriously,” Apple added in the text.

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Rising Concerns in India

According to user testimonials, Users in India have received Apple’s latest threat notifications. In October, Apple sent similar warnings to several journalists and politicians in the country.

Amnesty International, a human rights advocacy group, later reported discovering the presence of Pegasus, a highly invasive spyware developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, on the iPhones of prominent Indian journalists.

The recurrence of these alerts has raised significant concerns among Indian users, particularly those in sensitive professions such as journalism and politics.

The implications of such spyware attacks are profound, potentially compromising personal privacy and national security.

In its communication to affected users, Apple stressed the sensitive nature of its threat identification methods, cautioning that divulging additional details could aid attackers in evading future detection.

Interestingly, Apple has made a notable shift in its language since last year, describing these incidents as “mercenary spyware attacks” instead of the previously used term “state-sponsored” attacks.

This change in terminology reflects the evolving nature of cyber threats, where private entities, often referred to as mercenaries, are increasingly involved in sophisticated cyber espionage activities.

These mercenary groups operate independently or are hired by various actors, including governments, to carry out targeted attacks.

Apple’s proactive stance in notifying users and its commitment to enhancing security measures underscore the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age.

As threats evolve, users are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information and devices.

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