Several iPhone users have received warning notifications from Apple this week about potential targeted spyware attacks. According to the company, the notifications were sent to users in 100 different countries. The recipients of the threat messages are informed that a “mercenary spyware attack” is attempting to remotely compromise their devices. This is the second time that Apple has sent a threat notification to iPhone users. A similar alert was sent to users in 92 countries in April. Here’s why Apple sent these notifications and how to stay protected.
According to TechCrunch, two individuals, Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino and Dutch political activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek, have publicly confirmed receiving these alerts. Pellegrino, who works for the Italian online news outlet Fanpage, said Apple sent him an email and text message warning about a spyware attack. The message also specifies that it was sent to affected users in 100 countries.
Another recipient, Vlaardingerbroek, shared a screenshot of Apple’s warning on X (formerly Twitter) about “a targeted mercenary spyware attack” found on her device.
Previously, Apple sent similar warning notifications to iPhone users when it detected a spyware threat. According to Apple, such attacks typically target a small number of individuals, including journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. They stated that these threat notifications have been sent several times per year since 2021. As of now, users in 150 countries have received these notifications. However, the source of these attacks has not been publicly disclosed.
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Apple has been advising users to keep their iPhones up to date with the latest software updates. Other precautions that can be taken include creating a device passcode, using two-factor authentication and a strong password for your Apple account, and avoiding clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources.