- Apple has issued a new spyware warning to iPhone users in 92 countries after it found they had been targeted in attacks.
- Apple didn’t reveal where the attack came from, but spyware attacks are classic nation-state behaviour.
- Over the past few years, Apple has released an increasing number of iOS updates to address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by spyware attacks.
Apple sent a new round of threat alerts to some users in 92 countries on Thursday, warning them that their iPhones could be attacked by hired spyware, including Israel’s Pegasus spyware.
The spyware attack
The alert states, “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’s alert went on to share more information about the incident.
“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,” the alert continued.
Apple explained that it could not provide any information about what triggered the message for fear that additional information would help the attackers avoid future detection. The company uses internal information and investigations to identify attacks.
This isn’t the first time Apple has had to send such notifications. Since 2021, individuals in more than 150 countries have received similar messages, including an alert sent to several journalists and politicians in India last October. However, it is unclear which countries individuals have received the alerts.
Apple didn’t reveal where the attack came from, but spyware attacks are classic nation-state behaviour.
In 2021, Apple sued the Israeli company NSO Group for its alleged involvement in attacks on iPhone users.
Also read: Andrew Aude: Apple sues ex-iOS engineer for 5-year data leak
Increasing number of iOS updates
Over the past few years, Apple has released an increasing number of iOS updates to address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by spyware attacks.
Some of these are emergency security updates, especially if the iPhone vulnerability has been used in an attack.
