Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Apple and Google warn users of state-linked cyber attacks
Apple and Google recently sent warnings to their users in many countries.
They said that some users might be targeted by hackers who work for governments.
These hackers are trying to get into people's devices and steal information.
Google specifically mentioned a spyware tool called Intellexa, which is used to spy on people.
Both companies are trying to help users stay safe from these attacks.
Experts say that these warnings can help stop the hackers and make them accountable for their actions.
This is part of a bigger problem where companies and governments are trying to stop the use of spyware tools.
Apple and Google sent threat notifications to users in over 150 countries, warning of state-linked cyber attacks.
Apple issued alerts on December 2, while Google announced on December 3 that several hundred accounts were targeted by Intellexa spyware.
Intellexa, a surveillance-technology vendor sanctioned by the United States, continues to operate despite restrictions.
Experts believe these alerts disrupt surveillance campaigns and can lead to accountability for spyware misuse.
The commercial spyware industry remains a persistent challenge, with notification systems being one of the few effective defenses.
- Who
- Apple and Google
- What
- Issued threat notifications to users about state-linked cyber attacks
- When
- December 2 (Apple), December 3 (Google)
- Where
- More than 150 countries (Apple), specific regions including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan (Google)
- Why
- To warn users about potential compromise of their devices by state-linked hackers
- Companies Involved
- Apple, Google
- Date of Alerts
- December 2 (Apple), December 3 (Google)
- Countries Affected
- More than 150 countries (Apple), Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan (Google)
- Spyware Involved
- Intellexa
- Number of Users Affected
- Several hundred accounts (Google)
- Sanctions
- Intellexa is sanctioned by the United States
