Apple has initiated a widespread notification campaign, alerting iPhone users across 98 countries to potential mercenary spyware threats. This marks the second alert this year, following a similar notification sent to users in 92 countries in April.
According to a support document on Apple’s website, these notifications have been regularly sent since 2021, reaching users in over 150 countries. The recent warnings, issued on Wednesday, highlight the seriousness of the threat without disclosing specific details about the attackers or the countries affected.
The warning messages sent to affected customers state, “Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-.” Apple urges recipients to take the warning seriously, emphasizing that these attacks are likely targeting individuals based on their identities or activities.
In October, users in India reported receiving these notifications, echoing previous incidents where journalists and politicians in the country were alerted to potential threats. Amnesty International later confirmed instances of Pegasus, a highly invasive spyware developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group, on the iPhones of prominent Indian figures.
Apple underscores the sensitivity of its threat detection methods, refraining from divulging specific details that could potentially aid attackers in evading detection in the future. Notably, Apple has shifted its terminology, now referring to these incidents as “mercenary spyware attacks” rather than “state-sponsored” attacks, reflecting a nuanced approach to describing the origin and nature of the threats.
The company emphasizes that it relies on internal threat intelligence and investigations to detect such attacks, reinforcing its commitment to protecting user privacy and security on its devices.
FAQ
Q: What is mercenary spyware, and how does it differ from state-sponsored spyware? A: Mercenary spyware refers to surveillance tools developed and deployed by private entities, often for financial gain or targeted surveillance purposes. State-sponsored spyware, on the other hand, is developed or sanctioned by governments for intelligence gathering or surveillance of individuals or groups.
Q: How does Apple detect mercenary spyware attacks on iPhones? A: Apple uses internal threat intelligence and investigative methods to detect suspicious activities and potential compromises on iPhones associated with Apple IDs.
Q: Why is Apple cautious about disclosing specific details of spyware attacks in its notifications? A: Disclosing specific details could potentially aid attackers in evading detection mechanisms in the future, compromising ongoing security efforts to protect users.
Q: What should iPhone users do if they receive a spyware attack warning from Apple? A: Users should take the warning seriously, follow any recommended security precautions from Apple, and consider reviewing their device security settings or contacting Apple Support for further guidance.
