Apple sent threat notifications to iPhone users in 92 countries on Wednesday, warning them that they may be getting targeted by a “mercenary spyware attack.”
“Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise theiPhoneassociated with your Apple ID -xxx-,” reads a notification reviewed byTechCrunch.
“This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it’s never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning — please take it seriously,”Appleadded.
Apple did not provide any information about what caused it to send these notifications. The company believes disclosing more information may help mercenary spyware attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future.
On itssupport page, Apple describes mercenary spyware attacks as “some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today.” The company says it sends threat notifications multiple times a year.
Mercenaryspyware attacksare well-funded and utilize massive resources, so they don’t target users on a large scale. Instead, they focus on high-value individuals such as politicians, journalists, and human rights activists.
If you receive a threat notification, Apple recommends turning on the lockdown mode and getting in touch with a security expert.
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Anurag Singh was a Tech Writer on Dexerto’s UK team, expertly covering laptops, smartphones, and wearables. He covers the biggest tech news from major brands such as Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft. He also has bylines at Android Police, Neowin, MakeTechEasier, Gizmochina.
