2 weeks ago
Apple Sends Fresh Spyware Alerts to Users in 110 Countries
Apple makes iPhones, iPads and computers.
It found out that a very clever kind of spy program might be after the devices of some people.
These spy programs are made by companies or governments to watch very important people like journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats.
So Apple sent a message to people in 110 countries to say 'check your device, a spy might be after it.'
The warning now shows up right on the phone's lock screen so people can see it quickly.
Apple has been sending these warnings since 2021 to people in over 150 countries.
Apple is telling everyone to make their devices stronger by updating software, using strong passwords and turning on a special Lockdown Mode that makes it very hard for spies to get in.
Apple says real warnings never ask you to click a link or type your password.
If you get a warning, you should take it seriously, and you can check with Apple's official website to make sure it is real.
Apple sent threat notifications to users in 110 countries warning that their iPhones, iPads or Macs may have been targeted by sophisticated mercenary spyware.
The alerts were issued around Thursday, August 13 and now appear directly as push notifications on the iPhone's lock screen and in the Settings section.
Apple has notified customers in more than 150 countries about suspected mercenary spyware attacks since it began issuing such warnings in 2021.
Historically targeted groups include journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats, with Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, cited as a notorious example.
Apple recommends updating software, enabling two-factor authentication and Lockdown Mode, and stresses that genuine alerts never ask users to click links, install apps or provide passwords.
- Who
- Apple, warning users in 110 countries, including historically targeted groups such as journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats.
- What
- Threat notifications alerting users that their iPhones, iPads or Macs may have been targeted by highly sophisticated mercenary spyware capable of remotely compromising devices.
- Where
- Users in 110 countries; more than 150 countries have received such notifications since 2021.
- When
- Notifications were sent around Thursday, August 13; Apple has issued such warnings several times a year since 2021.
- Why
- To warn individuals singled out by sophisticated, historically state-linked surveillance campaigns and help them take steps to protect their data and devices.
Key facts
- Notification recipients
- Users in 110 countries
- Alert date
- Thursday, August 13
- Affected devices
- iPhone, iPad, Mac
- Countries notified since 2021
- More than 150
- Threat type
- Mercenary spyware capable of remote compromise
- Known example
- Pegasus, developed by NSO Group
- New alert method
- Push notification on iPhone lock screen and in Settings
- Recommended protection
- Latest software updates, strong passcodes, two-factor authentication, Lockdown Mode
Quotes
Apple
Apple's official notification to affected users
“"Apple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone. There are actions you can take now to protect your data and device."”
republicworld.com
Sources
Related news
Apple Sends Spyware Attack Alerts to iPhone Users Worldwide
Apple Warns iPhone Users in 110 Countries of Mercenary Spyware
Anthropic Warns Claude Users of Malware-Stealing Login Sessions
Pavel Durov Says AI Content Tricked Apple Into Removing Telegram
WhatsApp announces AI tool to detect scammers on platform
WhatsApp Begins Android Beta Testing of Scam Alert Feature
Netanyahu Tapes Phone Camera for Security
Spain Closes Pegasus Spyware Probe
Iranian Hackers Exploit Israeli Vulnerabilities
