Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 3 hrs ago
German officials warned of possible spyware attacks on their iPhones
Germany’s cybersecurity agency, the BSI, warned lawmakers and government members of a possible phone attack.
Apple threat notifications began reaching some iPhones on 29 October, warning of possible mercenary spyware targeting devices.
Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger confirmed the alerts and said the BSI had contacted those affected.
The alerts indicate a targeted attack may have occurred, but do not prove a phone was infected.
Spyware can collect messages, calls, photos and location data, and may access a phone’s microphone or camera.
Officials have not said how many people were targeted or who was behind the attack.
The BSI advised recipients to treat their phones as potentially compromised, while the investigation and response continue.
Apple warned that some iPhones used by German lawmakers and government members may have been targeted with mercenary spyware.
The BSI said it alerted those affected and advised them to assume their devices could be compromised.
Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger confirmed the warning and said the reports were worrying.
The Apple notifications do not establish whether any device was successfully infected.
The number of people affected and the identity of those behind the suspected attack were not stated.
- Who
- Bundestag members and members of the German government were warned.
- What
- Apple sent threat notifications about possible attacks using mercenary spyware on some iPhones.
- When
- Apple notifications began on 29 October 2026; the reports were published on 1 November.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- Not stated. The reason for the suspected targeting and the identity of those behind it are unknown.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Apple threat notifications began arriving on some iPhones, according to the reports.
The BSI warning was reported, and Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger confirmed the Apple notification and the BSI’s response.
- Notification type
- Apple threat notification
- Suspected spyware
- Mercenary spyware
- First notifications
- 29 October 2026
- German agency
- Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
- Minister
- Karsten Wildberger
6 sources
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What people are saying
eine Meldung von Apple, dass bestimmte Geräte gegebenenfalls kompromittiert wurden mit sogenannter Spyware
Das ist jetzt rein spekulativ, um was es sich hier konkret handelt, das muss man jetzt abwarten.
Das ist trotzdem etwas, was natürlich uns sehr besorgt