Apple has issued a warning to iPhone users in 98 countries, alerting them about potential “mercenary spyware attacks” that could compromise nearly all personal data on their devices. The company has expressed high confidence in the accuracy of these warnings, though it admits that absolute certainty is impossible. Apple urges affected users to take the warning seriously and follow recommended security measures.
What is iPhone Spyware?
iPhones are known for their strong security features, but the battle between Apple and hackers is ongoing. The most notorious spyware, Pegasus, developed by the Israeli company NSO, can access almost all data on an iPhone. This spyware can exploit vulnerabilities in the phone’s system without the user having to do anything—just receiving a specific iMessage can allow the spyware to take over the device.
Who is Targeted?
NSO’s Pegasus software is sold to governments, including those with poor human rights records. These governments often target opposition politicians, human rights activists, journalists, and lawyers. The spyware allows them to monitor these individuals’ activities and communications.
Apple’s Response
Apple works tirelessly to identify and fix these vulnerabilities as soon as they are discovered. In the meantime, Apple has systems in place to detect when an iPhone has been compromised.
When such an attack is detected, Apple alerts the affected user. The company initially referred to these attacks as “state-sponsored” but now describes them as “mercenary spyware attacks.”
Recent Alerts
TechCrunch reports that Apple recently sent warnings to suspected victims in 98 countries. The warning message explains that the user is being targeted due to their identity or activities. Although Apple cannot provide complete certainty, the company stresses the importance of taking the warning seriously.
Recommended Action
Apple advises users who receive this warning to enable Lockdown Mode. This mode enhances security by restricting certain functions on the iPhone, making it harder for spyware to operate. Apple does not disclose how it detects these attacks, but it is believed that iOS regularly checks the integrity of its security measures and alerts Apple if any issues are found.