Apple Warns iPhone Users in 92 Countries About Mercenary Spy Software Threat
Apple has issued a warning to iPhone owners in 92 countries regarding the potential presence of mercenary spy software on their devices, according to a report by ‘TechCrunch.’ This notification is part of a series of alerts that the company has been sending since 2021, aimed at informing users about mercenary spy attacks detected in over 150 countries to date.
Describing mercenary spyware as one of the most advanced and dangerous digital threats of our time, Apple highlights the cost, sophistication, and destructive nature of these attacks on its support page. While Apple has not provided specific details about the ongoing campaign, ‘TechCrunch’ revealed that users may have been targeted by these attacks.
Affected users are being informed by Apple through an alarming message displayed on the Apple ID sign-in page, as well as through emails and iMessage notifications. The company recommends several security steps to counter these well-funded and evolving attacks, including activating activation lock mode, keeping devices updated, password protection, and employing two-factor authentication (2MFA).
Apple’s decision to withhold specific details about these notifications is aimed at preventing mercenary attackers from adjusting their tactics to evade detection. While these attacks were previously classified as “state-sponsored,” Apple has now refrained from using this description on its support website, emphasizing that they primarily target journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats.
The threat of mercenary spyware remains ongoing and global, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant and taking necessary security measures to protect against these sophisticated attacks.