Apple dispatched notifications to iPhone users in 92 countries at 12 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, alerting them to the possibility of being targeted by advanced mercenary spyware attacks. The alerts, as reported by TechCrunch, did not specify the attackers’ identities or the users’ geographical distribution but underscored the personalized nature of the threats.
The message to users expressed Apple’s high confidence in the detection of these attacks, urging those affected to take the warnings seriously. Apple emphasized the rarity and sophistication of such mercenary spyware attacks, distinguishing them from ordinary cybercriminal activities or consumer malware. These notifications are part of Apple’s ongoing effort to inform users of security threats, a practice that has extended to over 150 countries since 2021.
In a similar vein, Apple had previously issued warnings to journalists and politicians in India in October of the previous year, following Amnesty International’s discovery of the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware on the devices of prominent journalists. The timing of the recent alerts coincides with electoral preparations in various nations, though Apple made no comment on the timing’s significance.
Apple clarified that the recent alerts stem from “internal threat-intelligence information and investigations,” aiming to detect and mitigate the impact of these targeted attacks. The company also shifted its language from describing the perpetrators as “state-sponsored” to “mercenary spyware attackers,” indicating a broader range of potential threats.
In its communication with affected customers, Apple reiterated the exceptional rarity of such attacks and its commitment to detecting and warning against them based on high-confidence intelligence. The company’s proactive stance highlights the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the importance of vigilance among users.
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